The Flemington-Raritan Regional School District Board of Education voted on Sept. 11 to place Superintendent Dr. Carrie McGann on administrative leave effective immediately.

Board President (name not specified) moved to place Dr. Carrie McGann on administrative leave "effective immediately until further action of this board." The motion was seconded (identified in the record as "RC") and passed in a roll-call vote. The vote was recorded as: Miss Arcey — yes; Dr. Bentley — yes; Dr. Buckleitner — no; Mr. Cirillo — yes; Miss Culpes — yes; Miss Cristotello — yes; Mr. Owen — yes; Miss Whitley — no; Mr. Birkenstock — yes. The meeting transcript records the motion carried.

The board announced that Assistant Superintendent Dr. Clifford Byrnes will "by nature of his position" step in and assume superintendent duties immediately to "ensure seamless district operations." The board also said it will begin the process of contracting with an acting superintendent subject to board approval at a future public meeting.

The decision came amid public comment and board discussion earlier in the meeting about district finances, staffing and recent personnel matters. Several speakers during public comment said Dr. McGann had already submitted her resignation with extended notice and questioned the fiscal prudence of placing the superintendent on leave rather than allowing an orderly transition.

Kristen Erickson told the board that "Dr. McGann submitted her professional resignation. She gave out 16 weeks of notice," and asked the board to explain what operational necessity justified immediate administrative leave. Teacher Susan Valla and community member Mike Rizzoli also urged the board to reconsider or to provide a clear fiscal justification.

The board said it developed a plan for continuity and committed to providing regular updates as the process unfolds.

Votes at a glance
- Motion to place Dr. Carrie McGann on administrative leave (effective immediately): approved (roll call recorded in transcript; motion carries).
- Approval of executive-session and regular minutes for July 24, 2025: approved as written (no objections recorded).
- Approval of board secretary and treasurer reports for June and July 2025: approved (motion, second, roll call requested).
- Personnel committee items (items 1–35 moved by the personnel committee): approved (motion and roll call recorded).
- Instruction/Program committee items (items 1–9 moved): approved (motion and roll call recorded).
- Operations and transportation committee items (items 1–24 moved): approved (motion and roll call recorded).

The board did not provide additional public details about the reason for the leave during the meeting. The board said it is cooperating with authorities where appropriate and will provide updates in future public meetings.