Teacher Sydney Nigro contests nonrenewal in public Donaldson hearing

At a public Donaldson hearing the Edison Township Board of Education heard testimony from Thomas Jefferson Middle School English teacher Sydney Nigro, who challenged the district’s decision not to renew her contract.

Nigro described her path into teaching and summarized classroom performance data: she said 89% of her students met targeted growth objectives on a standardized metrics and that 98–100% of students were passing her course during the year she taught. She also recounted receiving primarily positive formal observations (multiple effective/highly effective ratings) and said she was surprised by the nonrenewal notice.

Nigro disputed each reason cited in the district’s nonrenewal statement. She said ‘brain breaks’ were a pedagogical tool used to sustain attention in an 87‑minute class and defended her classroom management and collaboration with literacy coaches. She acknowledged some early‑career struggles, described steps she took to improve instruction (timers, explicit objectives, co‑planning), and said she had participated in voluntary professional development, mentorship and peer observations.

ETA President Jeff Bowden introduced Nigro to the board and veteran TJMS teacher Janine Hinterstein spoke in support, describing a well‑managed classroom culture and saying students in Nigro’s class remained on task even during the teacher’s absence.

Board counsel outlined the Donaldson process at the start of the hearing and board members allowed time for public statements. The board did not make a motion to reverse the superintendent’s decision during open session; following the hearing the board moved into a confidential (privileged) session as allowed by state statute. No public vote was recorded to alter the superintendent’s recommendation.

What happens next: the public record shows the hearing was held; the superintendent’s nonrenewal decision remains unless the board takes formal action in subsequent meetings.