Washington Township school board denies ,000 bonus request for Superintendent Eric Hibbs amid ongoing tensions with the school’s leadership.
The Washington Township school board has recently rejected a proposal from Superintendent Eric Hibbs for merit compensation exceeding ,000, further escalating tensions between the board and its superintendent. In a meeting held on Tuesday, the nine-member board voted 3-0 against Hibbs’ request, with six members abstaining due to potential conflicts of interest.
According to Board President Julie Kozempel, the board’s legal counsel indicated that five votes in favor would be necessary for the approval of personnel matters, leading to the failure of Hibbs’ request. However, Hibbs contested this interpretation, asserting that his proposal was a financial matter that only required a majority vote, which he believed had been achieved.
What remains unclear is how this disagreement will be adjudicated, as it hints at another legal confrontation between Hibbs and the board, which has already been embroiled in controversy. Hibbs, who was suspended in March due to an ethics investigation but was recently reinstated by a judge, did not provide immediate comments regarding the board’s decision.
The compensation sought by Hibbs amounted to ,319, a figure reflective of four goals he asserts he accomplished, including implementing Google training, participating in online professional development, and enhancing school security measures. According to his contract, Hibbs is eligible for an annual merit bonus of up to 14.99% of his salary for meeting specific objectives set forth by the board.
Public sentiment on the board’s decision was mixed, as some residents expressed frustration over the lack of recognition for Hibbs’ achievements, claiming that his compensation was justified based on the terms of his contract. Several attendees at the meeting voiced the opinion that the board should honor the agreement rather than contribute to growing tensions that have persisted since Hibbs’ suspension.
Further complicating matters, the Washington Township Education Association announced that it has reached an impasse in negotiations for a new contract for teachers and secretaries, with claims of interference by Hibbs during negotiations. Additionally, the board reinstated nine senior teaching assistants who were previously set to lose health insurance benefits, a move addressing budget cuts made to balance next year’s finances.
These ongoing disputes and recent developments underscore the challenges faced by the Washington Township school district as it prepares to welcome approximately 7,200 students back to school. The board’s decision regarding Hibbs’ merit pay, coupled with contract negotiations with educators, illustrates a tumultuous environment that may impact the overall functioning of the district. Moving forward, how these issues will be resolved remains a critical concern for both educators and parents alike.
