Mahopac school official under fire for 'chubby' comment

MAHOPAC (WABC) -- There are calls for the resignation of a school board president in Putnam County, after he described a parent, on an open mike, as "a chubby wubby, she keeps getting fatter and fatter at every meeting, she really does."

The comment by Ray Cote took place during last month's board of education meeting in Mahopac.

Deena Bell could not believe her ears. The mother of two high schoolers posted the video clip on YouTube.

"It totally tells us that he cares nothing for the community that he says he upholds. Nothing. He cares nothing for us," said Bell.

Parents told us Mr. Cote is part of a diversity and sensitivity team created in response to a scandal back in March.

That's when some Mahopac High School students posted racially insensitive comments on Twitter following a basketball sectional playoff game against Mount Vernon.

"I also have a job, and I think the other parents in this community have a job, to really really pound into their kids what's right and what's wrong. And antics like this do not help," said a parent, Roger Garcia.

One former board member told us he is not waiting for the school board to take action against Mr. Cote.

"I've contacted the State Education department, we're filing a formal complaint. I'm waiting to take their lead but we'll file a formal complaint and ask to have him removed," said former school board member John Molloy.

Mr. Cote was in a closed-door executive session board meeting and therefore unavailable for comment.

Tuesday night there is a publc school board meeting. Parents told us, apology or not, they plan to ask for his resignation.