Washington Township school board proceeds without replacing suspended superintendent and announces budget reductions.

Washington Township, New Jersey – The ongoing challenges facing Washington Township’s school district intensified as Superintendent Eric Hibbs remains on paid leave while an investigation into an ethics complaint continues. The decision to put Hibbs on leave was made by the school board amidst growing concerns regarding his performance and leadership following a tumultuous period for the district.

At a recent board meeting that extended nearly seven hours, Assistant Superintendent Annette Miller was appointed as acting school chief, a situation the board anticipates will remain in place until further notice. School Board President Julie Kozempel indicated that this change was necessary as the district grapples with significant fiscal challenges. Recent budget shortfalls have led to heightened tensions within the district, which has left many non-tenured employees uncertain about their job status until the conclusion of the meeting.

Despite the ongoing turmoil, the board voted to renew the contracts of various non-tenured faculty and staff, including teachers, administrators, and assistants. This decision provided some relief to affected employees, who have felt a sense of anxiety and uncertainty in recent months.

The meeting drew considerable public interest, with approximately 100 attendees present and many more participating virtually. A significant portion of the proceedings focused on the budgetary constraints the district faces, resulting in emotional appeals from educators concerned about potential layoffs of aides and support staff. The board acknowledged that the decision to reduce staff was one of the most challenging it has faced, attributing the necessity for cuts to the harsh fiscal realities the district must navigate.

Throughout the meeting, the board refrained from discussing the status of Hibbs directly. Following his suspension in March, disagreements among board members have prevented a move to either reinstate him or appoint an interim replacement. In a separate but related matter, Hibbs filed a whistleblower lawsuit in May against the district, alleging that his suspension was a retaliatory measure taken in response to inquiries he raised regarding a district insurance contract.

As the investigation continues, concerns surrounding the allegations against Hibbs persist. The ethics complaint alleges that Hibbs improperly changed a failing grade for a family member of a board member and that students were wrongly admitted to the National Honor Society.

In terms of broader budget considerations, the board also addressed significant cutbacks, including reducing 59 teaching assistant positions to part-time status, which has raised concern among union leaders and affected employees, many of whom are low-wage earners reliant on these positions for their livelihoods. The board is awaiting approval for a proposed 7.13% tax increase that would support the 7.5 million budget for the upcoming year.

The implications of these decisions are profound for the community, with educators and parents expressing apprehension over the overall health of the district’s educational framework as it navigates a complex budget environment. Moving forward, ongoing discussions and further community engagement will likely play a vital role in shaping the future of the Washington Township school district during this challenging period.

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