During a heated exchange last month, Bridgeport School Board member Maria Pereira yelled at superintendent Vallas, saying that the administration had no “respect for the law.”

An interesting declaration coming from someone who charged with at least three serious crimes, including reckless burning.

According to court records recently uncovered by Education Bridgeport, Pereira was charged in 2005 with reckless burning, criminal mischief and violating a protective order. The incidents involved Pereira’s ex-boyfriend Hector Gonzalez. Pereira eventually pled guilty to three misdemeanors: criminal trespassing, violating her conditional release and criminal mischief.

[Maria Pereira, Superior Court Records]

Despite not running for reelection, as the newly appointed Bridgeport Working Families Party chairman, Pereira is in an arguably more powerful position after last Tuesday’s election. That means Pereira’s coalition will control city schools, teacher negations and the largest chunk of the city’s budget.

Not exactly a stellar role model.

More coming soon…