Cherry Hill School District announces administrative changes after facing lawsuit.

The Cherry Hill school district is navigating significant administrative changes amid ongoing legal challenges following allegations of discrimination and retaliation. Last week, the Cherry Hill Board of Education announced the appointment of Leslie Walker as the interim principal of Cherry Hill High School East. Walker takes over for her predecessor, Daniel Finkle, who resigned last month amidst a lawsuit filed against the school board and several top administrators, including himself.

Walker’s appointment is effective immediately, and she is set to serve in this role until June 2026. She brings a wealth of experience, having previously served as the superintendent of the Mount Ephraim Public Schools and held various administrative roles within the Berlin Township Public Schools. Walker’s background also includes teaching and administrative positions within the Cherry Hill district, specifically at Henry C. Beck Middle School and Horace Mann Elementary School.

In a separate but related development, the East Windsor Regional School District has officially rescinded a job offer to Finkle, who was slated to become the principal of Hightstown High School in November. The decision, communicated to the East Windsor community by Superintendent Mark Daniels on September 30, cited the school board’s approval to retract the appointment. As a result, the Mercer County school district is reopening the search for a new principal.

The legal controversy surrounding Finkle and the Cherry Hill district intensified shortly before his resignation. Finkle and other district administrators were named in a lawsuit alleging that David Francis-Maurer, a former assistant principal, faced unlawful administrative leave and subsequent dismissal after raising concerns about discriminatory practices and safety protocol violations. The lawsuit claims these actions were retaliatory in nature.

While Finkle has labeled the lawsuit brought forth by Francis-Maurer as baseless and filled with falsehoods, he looks forward to a detailed legal defense against the allegations. According to Finkle, the response to the claims will address the assertions made by Francis-Maurer’s attorney and seek to clarify the circumstances surrounding his resignation and the ongoing legal proceedings.

Additionally, Dennis Vinson, the current principal at Hightstown High School and previously scheduled for retirement, has agreed to extend his tenure during the search for Finkle’s replacement. This decision underscores the district’s commitment to maintaining stability during a tumultuous period.

As Cherry Hill navigates these administrative changes and the unfolding legal situation, the community remains focused on supporting students and ensuring a conducive educational environment.