Washington Township School Superintendent Eric Hibbs and the school board dispute findings of an ethics investigation.

A recent board meeting in Washington Township, New Jersey, escalated tensions between Superintendent Eric Hibbs and a divided school board, as the implications of an ethics investigation came to the forefront. During the contentious session, board vice president Steven Serrano deemed the discourse “ridiculous” and suggested the need for an executive session to cool off tempers, ultimately prompting a 15-minute recess focused on personnel and legal matters.

The primary concern of the meeting was a report asserting that Hibbs had not engaged in unethical conduct regarding allegations made against him. These allegations stemmed from claims that Hibbs had granted preferential treatment to the family of board member Carol Chila by intervening in a grade change for Chila’s daughter. The unpublicized report was commissioned from a conflict law firm employed by the board, which had previously cleared Hibbs of three misconduct allegations that led to his suspension earlier this year.

After considerable debate, the board voted 3-2 to release a redacted version of the report, citing privacy concerns. Two members were absent, while two others abstained due to conflicts of interest. Board member Scott Laliberte expressed his apprehension regarding potential legal ramifications tied to the release, highlighting that witness statements were purportedly confidential. Chila, advocating for transparency, argued that the full report should be disclosed to clarify the context surrounding her daughter’s academic challenges, which she attributed to a concussion.

Hibbs, who resumed his role following a judicial ruling deemed his prior suspension improper, expressed a desire for complete transparency to clear his name. He underscored that the investigation yielded no evidence of misconduct. Tensions peaked as Hibbs confronted board president Julie Kozempel during the meeting, announcing that he did not provide sworn testimony during the investigation—a detail that raised eyebrows given the circumstances surrounding the inquiry.

The board meeting adjourned with lingering questions about the report’s contents, which reportedly exceeds 300 pages. The Inquirer has requested access to the report under New Jersey’s Open Public Records Act for public examination. Additionally, the district experiences strain as the board’s solicitor announced its resignation, citing an increasingly untenable representation of the board.

Financial implications also arose during the session as the board approved payment of ,202 to a resident for legal fees incurred challenging Hibbs’ suspension, following a court ruling that the board violated procedural protocols. As Washington Township continues to navigate these complex governance issues, the community remains attentive to the evolving dynamics within its educational leadership. Media News Source.