Board meeting sparks nepotism accusation over Arthur Street principal appointment
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Summary
A board member alleged the principal appointment at Arthur Street was predetermined and criticized the elimination of a vice principal role, calling the move nepotism and saying it discourages qualified applicants; the claim drew a brief defense and no policy action at the meeting.
A heated exchange at the Hazleton Area School District board meeting ended with a board member alleging nepotism in a recent personnel decision to create a second principal position for Arthur Street Elementary.
During the personnel portion of the agenda, the speaker said a candidate withdrew their application after concluding the outcome was predetermined, adding, “nepotism causes cynicism and demoralization while discouraging highly qualified applicants from seeking important positions in the district.” The speaker argued that the two small K–2 schools (Hazel Township Early Learning Center and Arthur Street Elementary) would gain no educational benefit from replacing a vice principal with a second principal but would increase costs for taxpayers.
Another speaker responded that the candidate in question had a history of service in the district, had held several positions and had retired as a principal, asserting there are "two sides to every story." The board recorded at least one formal objection to item 99 (the principal appointment) but the motion passed.
No formal investigation or policy motion was introduced at the meeting. The board adjourned after the exchange. The allegation and the candidate’s withdrawal were reported to the board during the meeting; the transcript does not record any formal finding, staff response detailing the hiring process, or the name of the appointed relative.