Washington Township school superintendent on leave files lawsuit against the school district.

Eric Hibbs, the Superintendent of Washington Township schools, has initiated a whistleblower lawsuit against the school board. He claims that his suspension in March was retaliatory, stemming from his inquiries regarding a controversial insurance contract. The lawsuit, filed in Gloucester County Superior Court, alleges that Hibbs was unjustly placed on administrative leave after he raised concerns about what he deemed unethical practices by the board in awarding a contract for employee health benefits in 2021, prior to his hiring.

The 35-page lawsuit identifies school board president Julie Kozempel and several unnamed board members as defendants. According to Hibbs, the selection process for the insurance contract was flawed, having awarded it to a consultant with a subpar proposal. Hibbs had reportedly initiated a review of the contract following community requests for transparency, which included Open Public Records Act inquiries.

Kozempel has publicly dismissed Hibbs’ accusations as unfounded, suggesting that individuals sometimes deflect blame instead of confronting core issues. The school board has not disclosed specific reasons for Hibbs’ suspension, which has left many district employees uncertain about their future amid rumors of potential job cuts linked to a budget deficit.

Tensions between Hibbs and some board members appear to have escalated following his investigation into the insurance contract. While Hibbs contends that his actions were aimed solely at ensuring transparency and accountability, his relationship with the board has deteriorated. The board has been unable to reach a consensus on whether to reinstate him or appoint an interim superintendent, perpetuating a state of limbo within the district.

In addition to the whistleblower lawsuit, allegations of misconduct have surfaced against Hibbs, including accusations that he gave preferential treatment in grade assessments and improperly admitted a student into the National Honor Society. However, one teacher who filed an ethics complaint against Hibbs has since retracted his name from the allegations, claiming he was pressured.

The lawsuit seeks to not only reinstate Hibbs but also demands compensatory and punitive damages, alongside coverage of his legal expenses. Hibbs, who has previously served in the education systems of Marlboro and Mount Holly, argues that these legal challenges arise from his commitment to ethical educational governance. As the district grapples with these significant internal conflicts, the ongoing situation points to a broader struggle regarding leadership and accountability in education management.

In another alarming development, Washington Township Councilman Richard Bennett faces charges related to purported harassment of school board members, further highlighting the current climate of discord within the community. This backdrop of escalating tension suggests an urgent need for resolution within the district’s leadership.

The legal proceedings and community responses to these controversies will undoubtedly shape the future operational dynamics of Washington Township schools and influence perceptions of governance and integrity within the district.