Teachers' union presents no-confidence resolution in superintendent, cites turnover and transparency concerns

At the board meeting on May 18, the Collingswood Education Association (CEA) publicly read and submitted a resolution expressing no confidence in Superintendent Frederick H. McDowell Jr.

Robin Hogan, president of the CEA, read the resolution adopted by union members and summarized its core charges: the district has experienced substantial staff turnover since the superintendent's hiring, a decline in staff morale, 10 grievances filed by members, perceived lack of transparency in financial decisions affecting classroom resources and staffing, and recent decisions (including reallocations and program reductions) the union says jeopardize student programming.

The resolution, as read aloud at the meeting, cited more than 150 resignations and early retirements during the superintendent's tenure and asked the Board of Education to provide the superintendent with appropriate notice and to release some duties as provided under his contract. The CEA asked that the resolution be shared with the wider community and appropriate educational partners.

The board did not take an immediate formal vote on the resolution during public comment. Board members later resumed regular agenda business and personnel votes; the resolution itself was acknowledged but no board motion to accept or reject the union's resolution was recorded on the meeting minutes available in the transcript.

Union leaders said the resolution reflects a majority view of union membership and is intended to prompt the board to address what the CEA characterized as systemic issues in leadership, communication and personnel practices.

Next steps: The CEA said it would share the resolution with the board and media and requested that the board consider personnel or contractual remedies; the board did not announce a specific response timeline during the meeting.