News that Alexandria’s schools superintendent may be replaced when her contract expires in June 2008 was a surprise to some school board members, who reacted angrily to what they called backroom politics.

“I was not one of those board members who felt they didn’t need to consult with the rest of the board,” Eileen Cassidy Rivera said. “It’s both unethical and illegal.”

School board Chairman Arthur Peabody Jr. and Vice Chair Blanche Maness met with Superintendent Rebecca Perry last week and informed her that several board members were considering a search for her replacement.

“No decision has been made,” Peabody said in a phone interview Tuesday. “We’re just beginning the process of discussing the matter.”

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While there had been no formal board meeting, Peabody said, there had been discussion among board members. He described his meeting with Perry as a courtesy.

“What I’m most upset about is it was done in a back room,” Charles Wilson said. He is the only board member who was also on the board in 2004. “It’s not about whether the superintendent goes or she stays.”

Three years ago, Perry, who has been superintendent since 2001, was arrested for drunken driving. The school board voted not to terminate her contract. Eight of the nine members stepped down when their terms expired in 2006.

Some of the current board members campaigned on the issue, saying Perry should have been fired. During the campaign, Peabody said Perry should have resigned.

Rivera and Wilson believe some of their fellow board members were unable to get beyond the controversy surrounding Perry, including some hotly debated decisions she’s made during her tenure. Both praised her performance in getting 14 of Alexandria’s 16 schools accredited. Only two were accredited when she arrived.

“My understanding it’s not about her performance … that it’s personal,” Rivera said.

Peabody denied it, and said he didn’t give Perry any explanation. Other board members declined to comment or did not return calls.

mhegstad@dcexaminer.com