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Glen Rock board confronts breach of internal communications, hears public concerns about superintendent
Summary
At a special meeting, the Glen Rock Board of Education discussed an apparent breach of internal board communications and an ethics complaint, heard public calls for clarity about Superintendent Dr. Charleston's role and availability, and recessed into closed session for personnel and attorney-client matters.
The Glen Rock Board of Education on Tuesday addressed a recent apparent breach of internal board communications and an ethics complaint while fielding public concern about the district's leadership.
Board President Dr. Damali Robinson told attendees that "screenshots of internal board communications or private emails exchanged solely among board members were improperly accessed and shared outside their intended con context," and said the board asked members to sign affidavits to help determine how the breach occurred. "When that trust is broken, when confidential information is accessed or used in ways that undermine the work of this board, it threatens the very foundation of our responsibility to this community," Robinson said.
Robinson said eight of nine board members signed affidavits affirming cooperation; one member declined. She proposed the board consider amending its bylaws to require a maximum two-week effective date for any board member resignation to promote continuity.
During the public-comment portion, residents urged clearer communication and accountability around superintendent responsibilities. Kevin Carroll of 26 Whole Court asked whether Superintendent Dr. Charleston was suspended and said, "So we're paying the superintendent to be employed and not be here, and unfortunately, we have to pay an attorney to be here." Dr. Angela Pucci Bender, a former administrator, urged thorough documentation of any problematic behavior by district leadership. Longtime attendee Sandy Stern said she was "so disappointed" and "so angry" about the situation.
Several residents linked district leadership concerns to student services and community reputation. Roy Clipper warned of enrollment and housing-market effects, saying, "The one main thing that brings people to this town are the schools... They're now the latest ranking is 97." Trustee Michael Cohen recounted that earlier this year he filed a complaint he said was docketed with the state ethics commission and raised concerns about a trustee's public discussion of confidential matters.
The board cautioned that some questions raised during public comment touch on personnel matters and may need to be addressed in closed session or followed up in writing. Board members said New Jersey law permits appointment of an acting superintendent if the superintendent is unavailable; they stated that Dr. Charleston remains the district's chief school administrator and that the district would notify the community if that changed.
After public comment and closing remarks stressing deliberation amid election-year tensions and budget constraints, the board voted to recess to closed session for personnel and attorney-client privilege. Trustee Michael Cohen moved to recess; Trustee Corey seconded. The board voiced approval and recessed at about 8:07 p.m.; the closed session was expected to last about an hour. The special meeting later was adjourned after the closed session.
No formal action to remove or change the superintendent was taken in public during the meeting.
