Illingworth: I Would Recuse Myself From Any Votes Regarding School Uniforms

Board of Education member Hernan Illingworth has issued a statement to OIB regarding articles written by government watchdog Jonathan Pelto involving Illingworth’s employer providing school uniforms. Pelto story here. Illingworth statement:

“I have been a part-time hourly employee for Uniformz for about 4 years now. Uniformz is one of multiple vendors that provide school uniforms. There exists no contract, written or oral agreement neither between the City of Bridgeport and Uniformz nor with the Board of Education and Uniformz. School uniform sells are about 10% of Uniformz’s total business as they sell multiple services and goods. If I were to be employed at Target would that be a conflict as well? As Target also sells school uniforms.

For the record I do not do any sales for the company. My responsibilities include cashier, purchasing, and inventory management. Therefore, I receive no commission only a set hourly rate.

I would recuse myself from any votes regarding school uniforms.

I will not allow these personal attacks without merit to distract me from trying to move our district forward in the name of progress and children. Others may judge what they want.”