Hazlet Township board approves several staff hires; resident alleges nepotism

The Hazlet Township Public School District board approved multiple personnel appointments and accepted the superintendent's report at its meeting; during public comment a resident alleged nepotism in the hiring process.

The board approved a superintendent's consent agenda that included personnel resolutions read aloud by a board representative. The items recorded in the meeting transcript included the approval of Catherine Casar as a school guidance counselor at Addison Middle School at M K step 3 with an annual salary of $59,500, effective Sept. 1, 2024; Carrie Anne McGuire as an LDTC in the district at MA+30 step 12 with an annual salary of $77,000, effective Sept. 17, 2024 (or sooner); Megan Nadeau as an art teacher at Hazlett Middle School at BA step 9 with an annual salary of $66,000, effective Sept. 1, 2024; Marina Virgio as an elementary school teacher at Lillian Drive School at MA step 3 with an annual salary of $59,500, effective Sept. 1, 2024; and the appointment of Bruce Deppen Savoy as a long-term substitute speech-language specialist at Early and Dry School through June 30, 2025, with an annualized salary listed at $60,500 per the agenda language. The board voted by roll call to approve the consent agenda.

During the public-comment period, Laurie Joseph of 83 Estes Avenue asked the board for records and clarification about staffing decisions last school year. She asked how many non-tenured teachers were "let go" at the end of the prior school year, how many of those were qualified for the elementary opening filled tonight, and how many were interviewed. Joseph also stated, "Sounds like nepotism," alleging the newly appointed elementary teacher is related to the board secretary and the superintendent's secretary. The transcript shows the comment was made as a request for information; there is no recorded formal response or staff report of an investigation in the meeting record.

The meeting also included routine business: a notification that the "PA grant" application window is open and a legislative update noting that nominating positions are due to the county clerk on July 29, 2024. The meeting adjourned after a motion and voice vote.

Actions recorded in the meeting transcript show the board accepted the superintendent's consent agenda and the superintendent's report by roll-call votes. The transcript does not record specific movers for the primary personnel motion (the second was recorded by the speaker who later identified herself during public comment as Laurie Joseph), nor does it include in-meeting documentation provided to answer the public commenter's questions about interview lists or prior nonrenewals.