By Emily Younker
Globe Staff Writer
JOPLIN, Mo. —
A committee of the Lafayette House board of directors has recommended that “no action be taken at all” regarding the posed disqualification of board member Mary Schillaci, board President Dale Harrington said Thursday night.
When asked whether that meant Schillaci would remain a member of the board, Harrington said, “I believe that’s where we’re headed.”
Schillaci, a board member for more than four years, said late Thursday night that she had received an e-mail notice from Harrington after the meeting outlining the committee’s decision.
“I heard from our president that they’re not taking any action against me,” she said. “I appreciate so much the board listening to me and hearing me, and my dedication to Lafayette House has never wavered.”
According to a notice sent to Schillaci in April, the board had scheduled the meeting because of “negative community backlash” resulting from Schillaci’s activities in the Briarbrook neighborhood of Carl Junction, where she lives. Schillaci has long been an outspoken opponent of the Briarbrook Community Improvement District, which formed in March and is working to buy the former Briarbrook Country Club and its golf course.
But Harrington said the committee’s discussion Thursday night about Schillaci’s possible disqualification from the board was not based on her involvement in the Briarbrook community.
“The concerns we discussed tonight weren’t related to Mary’s position on any public issue or even on any desire on behalf of Lafayette House to quell her rights to speak her opinion,” Harrington said. “(The discussion) related solely to her responsibilities as a board member.”
When asked what those responsibilities are, Harrington summarized them in one phrase: “To always consider the best interest of the organization and the mission of the organization.”
He said the board was concerned that “some of her actions may have been damaging the mission of the organization.”
He declined to elaborate on the actions in question.
“It’s just a private board matter,” he said.
Schillaci has said she was told by the board that some Briarbrook residents had withdrawn their financial support of Lafayette House because of her position on the board. She said Thursday that she never used her “position on the board to influence anybody in any way.”
Schillaci said her priority has always been the organization.
“I don’t want this to hurt Lafayette House whatsoever,” she said. “I don’t want people to pull their support from Lafayette House because of this.”
Mission
The mission of Lafayette House is to provide services and support to women, children and families needing help for problems related to domestic violence, drug or alcohol addictions, or rape. The residential services are provided in Joplin, and outreach offices are located in Neosho and Pineville.
