Washington Township school board votes against reinstating superintendent amid continued internal conflicts.

The Washington Township School District continues to navigate a complex legal and administrative situation involving its suspended Superintendent Eric Hibbs. A recent motion to reinstate Hibbs was put forth by board member Scott Labertie during a Tuesday board meeting but ultimately failed to garner sufficient support. The motion ended in a tie, with three members voting in favor, three against, and three abstaining, illustrating the partisan divisions within the board.

Hibbs, who has held the position since 2023, was suspended in March, with the board not publicly stating the reasons for this action. However, reports indicate that the suspension was initiated due to a pending ethics complaint, which asserts that Hibbs made inappropriate decisions regarding the grading of a family member of a board member and allegedly allowed students to improperly join the National Honor Society. His annual salary of 5,000 remains on hold as he awaits the resolution of this troubling situation.

An assistant superintendent has stepped in as the acting superintendent while Hibbs’ status remains uncertain. Labertie’s failed motion marks yet another attempt to bring Hibbs back, necessitating five votes for a successful reinstatement. No further discussion on Hibbs’ situation occurred during the lengthy five-hour board meeting, during which he was notably absent.

Amid the turbulence, a lawsuit filed by resident Randy Ford questioning the legality of the board’s actions continues to be a focal point. Ford contends that the suspension process violated the state’s Open Public Meetings Act. He argues that the board improperly invoked a rarely used “doctrine of necessity” to secure a quorum for voting, specifically because some members were precluded from participating due to ethics complaints.

The board has indicated that the doctrine was necessary due to conflicts involving several members, complicating the decision-making process. A ruling from Superior Court Judge Benjamin Telsey on this matter is anticipated, with implications that could potentially affect Hibbs’ employment.

The situation has provoked community reactions, with residents expressing concern over the board’s handling of the case and the financial implications of Hibbs’ suspension. Critics argue that Hibbs is being unjustly compensated while inactive, exacerbating tensions within the district at a time when budgetary constraints are particularly acute.

In a parallel development, further investigations are ongoing related to the ethics complaint against Hibbs, with the New Jersey School Ethics Commission involved. The commission recently reprimanded Board President Julie Kozempel for disclosing confidential personnel information stemming from a different ethics complaint, while clearing her of other allegations due to insufficient evidence.

As the Washington Township School Board grapples with these pressing issues, the outcome of the legal proceedings may have lasting effects on the district’s governance and operational stability. The community awaits clarity on Hibbs’ status and the broader implications these events hold for the district’s future.

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