In a surprise move, West Babylon School Board Trustee James Bocca resigned from the School Board. He is the second trustee to step down in less than two weeks, and the resignations raised considerable con­troversy within the community. Bocca's resignation follows that of fellow board member Carmine Galletta who resigned last week. Residents who attended the meeting said they were concerned and angry because they believe the two longtime trustees were "forced off the board," by the new majority.

"They (Bocca and Galletta) are being pushed aside and this was nothing more than a planned coup," resident Lou Mazza told the board. "We think it is dis­gusting and we think you are at the heart of it," he told newly elected school board president Ray Cody. "Mr. Galletta represented this district exceptionally and what has transpired to force this man to resign is reprehensible," said another resident, Patrick Liles.

While the school board has been in the midst of a power struggle for several months, the resignations appear to have come as the board selected its new president and vice president. Galletta, who was the president of the board last year, made his bid for reelection. The board, in a 5-4 vote, elected Cody, however.

While Cody declined to discuss the resignations, or comment on the controversy except to say "there was no coup and this is just a case of sour grapes," Galletta said it was the way in which some board members conducted themselves, and not the outcome of the vote, that prompted him to resign. "Make no mistake, what happened here was a coup," said Galletta. "I felt in my heart as a resident and board member who gave his heart and soul to this district, that I was treated unfairly and kicked aside." Several sources said that Galletta lobbied within the board for reelection and that on the night of the vote he believed he had the five votes needed- his own and that of James Bocca, Diane Klein, Jerry Nocera and Patrick Farrell.

Prior to the meeting, however, Galletta was ap­proached by Cody who Galletta said told him he was opposing him and that he had the necessary votes. When the meeting was called to order, and the votes were taken, Galletta lost when Farrell voted for Cody.

"I will never do anything to undermine this district but will not sit here and watch it be destroyed by someone who has a history of destroying things," said Galletta. "I will personally watch everything that goes on and take him (Cody) to task for everything he does."

He, Bocca and some residents pointed to Cody's involvement in the West Babylon Little League. Two years ago, with Cody at the center, the league was split down the middle in a controversy that led to Cody's establishing a new, competing league. He remained an official in that new league, but again, controversy swirled and Cody stepped down.

"You have to realize that you have a problem here," Pete Scarlata, a Little League volunteer and resident told the board. "Something is going on and you need to address it." In his letter, Bocca said he chose to resign because of the lack of unity on the board. "This particular board lacks trust and respect for the experienced and knowledgeable senior board members and administrators. Being a man of reputable moral fiber, I can no longer sit idly by while my fellow board members repeatedly contradict and supercede my principles and values." Bocca said he believes he and Galletta will be more helpful to the district and the community as watch­dogs, and with no legal requirements to stay silent on important issues.

TWO NEW BOARD MEMBERS APPOINTED Following Bocca's resignation, the board discussed its options. Under state education law, the board could appoint members to fill the unexpired terms of Bocca and Galletta; they could hold a public vote or they could wait until the next school district election in May. Noting that it would cost the district more than $10,000 for an election, and that the board had many important issues coming up such as its strategic plan, the board voted to appoint. After some deliberations, former school board member Kathleen Jennings and Diane Thiel were appointed unanimously. They as­sume the seats immediately.