The Middletown Public Schools superintendent has been placed on administrative leave following a special meeting where his DUI arrest was discussed behind closed doors.
The special meeting was held Thursday by the Board of Education to address the employment of Superintendent Alberto Vázquez Matos, according to the meeting agenda.
Board members spent hours in executive session before unanimously voting to put Vázquez on administrative leave. It was not clear whether the leave period would be paid or unpaid or how long it will last.
A spokesperson for the school district issued a statement ahead of the meeting saying the district “does not comment on individual personnel matters.” On Friday, the spokesperson declined further comment.
The board opted to transfer all of the superintendent’s responsibilities to the central district staff for the time being. The board also appointed one its members, Chris Cardella, to help determine the next steps for Vázquez Matos.
Vázquez Matos, 51, was charged with driving under the influence and holding a valid driver’s license in both Florida and Connecticut following an incident on July 29 shortly before 11:30 p.m., according to a citation issued by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. Vázquez Matos refused to take a breathalyzer during the police encounter, according to Hillsborough County Clerk of Courts records. He has pleaded not guilty to both charges, records show.
Vázquez Matos has been with the school district since 2021 and served as the acting superintendent before he was appointed the role permanently in 2022. His attorney has not responded to a request for comment.