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BHPRSD Board Moves to Take Suspended Triton Educators' Pay

Only a handful of residents direct anger at the Black Horse Pike school board and administration in the wake of the Triton High School sex scandal, while others defend the Runnemede school.

 

The Black Horse Pike Regional School District (BHPRSD) Board of Education on Thursday night unanimously authorized district administrators to stop paying five Triton Regional High School educators suspended in a teacher-student sex case as soon as possible and without requiring further board action.

The five educators charged in the sex scandal—teachers Jeffrey Logandro, 32, Nicholas Martinelli, 28, and Daniel Michielli, 27, and administrators Catherine DePaul, 55, and Jernee Kollock, 39—currently are suspended with pay.

Under New Jersey state law, school districts can only take away suspended educators' paychecks when they have been indicted on criminal charges, tenure charges seeking their termination have been filed, or the state has revoked their education licenses.

BHPRSD attorney John Wade took the majority of questions from the crowd during the meeting. After Thursday night's roughly hour-long session, Wade noted that the board's "hands are tied" as it relates to bringing tenure charges against the suspended educators due to the ongoing nature of the Camden County Prosecutor's Office investigation into alleged faculty misconduct at Triton.

A near standing-room-only crowd filled the Timber Creek Regional High School library and media center for the BHPRSD board's first public meeting since Camden County Prosecutor Warren W. Faulk announced charges on Oct. 4 against three teachers accused of sexual relationships with now-former Triton students and two administrators who allegedly tried to sweep a report of teacher-student sex under the rug last spring.

"While we cannot change the past, together we can move the school forward," Superintendent John Golden said at the beginning of the meeting.

Logandro and Michielli—both math teachers—are charged with second-degree endangering the welfare of a child and official misconduct and fourth-degree criminal sexual contact. Michielli is additionally charged with second-degree sexual assault.

Their alleged victims were 17 years old.

Martinelli, a gym teacher, is charged only with official misconduct, as his victim was 18 years old at the time of the alleged sexual contact. According to court documents released by the prosecutor's office, Martinelli did not engage in sexual intercourse with the student until after she had graduated from the Runnemede school.

The alleged relationships between the three teachers and three female students took place between November 2011 and June 2012. The prosecutor's office reportedly began its investigation sometime in August.

The teachers were suspended at different times late this summer and early in the 2012-13 school year.

DePaul and Kollock are charged with second-degree official misconduct for allegedly attempting to cover up information of teacher-student sex brought to their attention in April after a student had confided in a substitute teacher. They were suspended Oct. 3.

Kollock left Triton to become vice principal at Timber Creek July 1.

Golden told a concerned Timber Creek parent Kollock's transfer "had nothing to do with anything that took place at Triton." He indicated he and Kollock first discussed the transfer, which reportedly was finalized on April 30, back in March.

Golden read a statement at the beginning of Thursday's meeting in which he noted the prosecutor's office investigation "determined that the incidents were not a failure of our school district's policies and protocols, which have been place for a number of years."

He did add, however, that with social media and text messages "blurring the lines of appropriate interaction," the district is "redoubling" its efforts to educate and monitor "all of our staff, teachers, administrators and students to make the most moral and safe choices both in and out of the classroom."

PR spending questioned, defended

The district estimates it will pay Philadelphia public-relations firm Braithwaite Communications $10,000 to $15,000 for its work handling the "media barrage" following last week's announcement of criminal charges against three teachers and two administrators at Triton, Wade said.

Wade noted Braithwaite charged his firm a $5,000 retainer fee and will bill the district through his firm at an hourly rate.

"Wade, Long, Wood & Kennedy will provide the district with a billing statement that will reflect any bills that we pay," he said.

Some residents clearly do not support the district's decision to hire a public-relations firm.

"I think this is a big waste of money," Gloucester Township resident David Gray told the board and district administrators. "You could've probably bought a half-dozen computers with the retainer fee. ... I'm asking all of you board members to fire the public relations company. That's all I'm asking. I think it's a bad idea."

Wade consulted with Golden and other BHPRSD administrators, as well school board President Joyce Ellis and Vice President Kevin Bucceroni, before his firm—Wade, Long, Wood & Kennedy—opted to hire Braithwaite on Oct. 4 for what he labeled "crisis management."

BHPRSD does not have a public information officer on its payroll.

"By doing this, we've created a situation that gives the central office and our legal staff more time to deal effectively with the issues that we were dealing with on a 24-hour basis," Wade said.

The board has not yet voted to approve the Braithwaite agreement.

"How is that legal—an expenditure of tax dollars without the approval of this board? That is a violation of the Open Public Meetings Act," Gloucester City resident John Schmidt said. "You cannot spend funds until it is approved at a public meeting and the public has a chance to comment."

"The board has not expended any funds. It is through my law firm that retained the services of the media consultants," Wade responded.

Gloucester Township Patch has submitted an Open Public Records Act request for a copy of the Braithwaite agreement. Wade indicated the district planned to respond to the request, filed on Oct. 5, on Friday.

Alumna stands up for school

Nearly as many speakers at Thursday's meeting defended Triton's staff as questioned decisions made by the board and district in the wake of the prosecutor's office investigation.

Allison McDermott, a 2007 Triton graduate, was one speaker who called on the board and community to not allow the alleged actions of a handful to spoil the school's reputation.

"I truly feel the teachers I had at Triton encouraged me, supported me and helped me become successful," McDermott, a Montclair State University graduate, said. "I ask that the thoughts and actions of the few do not overshadow the wonderful legacy that Triton has and I hope continues to have."

For more on the Triton teacher-student sex charges, visit:

Related Topics: Black Horse Pike Regional School District, Camden County Prosecutor's Office, Catherine DePaul, Daniel Michielli, Jeffrey Logandro, Jernee Kollock, Nicholas Martinelli, Teachers sex with students, Triton High School sex scandal, and teacher-student sex case

Schu

12:23 am on Friday, October 12, 2012

Jernee Kollock is working towards her Ph.D in "diversity." who is paying for her credits towards her degree? The whole meeting was a shame.

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Triedtotellyou

8:46 am on Friday, October 12, 2012

Good point ... also the discussion was started last night but sadly the point not made. Even if she put in for a transfer in March, Highly doubtful, why was she still transferred in July? By that time the school and District knew about the issues and were investigating it? NOBODY should have been transferred until this was all sorted out. FYI the woman who spoke on this was dead to rights ... Timber Creek was thrown under the bus and Kollock was transferred as part of this cover up ... if she is not here anymore maybe this will go away ....

You dont transfer a woman who was VP of THAT SENIOR CLASS while there is an investigation into sexual misconduct and official misconduct ?? Correct?

Anonymous 4 CamCo

8:06 am on Friday, October 12, 2012

Lots of press there last night, lots of union people, lots of GT police but very few concened residents. The ones who did stand to speak in opposition to the PR firm and other issues were treated less cordial than those union members and former students giving testimonials. In fact the school board attorney yelled at one guy who questioned why the board had not voted to spend taxpayer money on the PR firm. I guess that was why others did not want to get up and speak out.

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Triedtotellyou

8:43 am on Friday, October 12, 2012

there were more community members than you think there .. and i can tell you from experience and you witnessed it last night ... speaking to that board is pointless... Also as you could see NONE of them were allowed to speak ... sadly only the attorney was and he is TERRIBLE .. Great choice in hiring that guy to represent your district ? Think it might be time to change firms ?

Paul J. DiBartolo

8:09 am on Friday, October 12, 2012

I must be missing something. I read about concerns that this episode involving three teachers and two administrators shouldn't be looked at as if everyone is involved. I don't think anyone has said that everyone is involved but I would place good money on any bet that stated a lot of other teachers knew what was going on and said nothing.
But here's the point about Triton's "reputation" that some think is getting sullied by this affair...
What reputation? Of 322 public high schools in New Jersey, Triton is ranked at 278 and falling. When you talk about how great of a school Triton is do you just ignore that fact that it is rated at the 14th percentile in the state. I don't think Triton has a lot to worry about concerning the loss of its "good reputation." That appears to have been taken care of quite some time ago.
Now, of all those who choose to defend Triton, will one of you please step up and explain to me what is so good about being 278th amongst 322 other schools?

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Triedtotellyou

8:48 am on Friday, October 12, 2012

Paul, you are correct. But having said that my child got an excellent education from Triton and as i told her Triton is the students, not the building or the teachers or the Admin. It is what you make it and my child made it a memorable beneficial experience. Sadly though you are correct that they walk around with their chests out as if they are the best in the state. They did the same during the redistricting and other controversial topics. And in the end Triton will get far worse .. its a given.

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ChiChiMama

10:52 am on Friday, October 12, 2012

Here's another list you might want to read. Both Triton and Timber Creek made the list. "Taxpayers" might also want to note that most of the NJ schools spend less per pupil than their comparable PA schools. Let's rally for property tax reform instead of pretending the schools are taking all of your money.

http://www.phillymag.com/articles/top-100-public-schools-2012/

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Triedtotellyou

11:00 am on Friday, October 12, 2012

chichimama ... you bring up good points and sadly most of the money does not make it to the teachers, students and or schools .. administration does mismanage a fair amount of the money they are allocated .. there is too much redundancy and excess spending instead of the money going to the teacher and students as it should. Owning a business i can tell you fiscal responsibility is critical to any business to ensure money is used efficiently and effectively. But i totally agree we need tax reform

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Jack Straw

1:02 pm on Friday, October 12, 2012

Triton's list of distinguished alumni include: Rob Andrews, the US Congressman being investigated by the Congressional Ethics Committee ; David R. Mayer, famous advocate of Pay-To-Play "Green" towns; Michael Iaconelli, the well-known bass fisherman; and the popular conservative blogger, whose name escapes me.

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Paul J. DiBartolo

1:52 pm on Friday, October 12, 2012

I'd be interested in knowing who that is. Myself? I got out while the gettin' was good and graduated from Haddon Heights;-)
Was it you, John? Come on, tell the truth.

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JThompson

1:26 pm on Saturday, October 13, 2012

It's so easy to criticize those in higher positions than you when you don't have any idea what their day to day work involves. Shouldn't it be a good thing when one of our graduates becomes a congressman or a mayor? School districts can't run with just teachers and students. If you want to see what happens to a district w/o administrators, watch the K-8 schools this fall. They've got about 10 open administrative positions. Have you seen a tax refund yet?

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Paul J. DiBartolo

8:37 pm on Saturday, October 13, 2012

>> Shouldn't it be a good thing when one of our graduates becomes a congressman or a mayor?
Actually, you know what's been said about power corrupting, right? There seems to be a connection to that phrase evidenced by the actions of both of the individuals mentioned. Documenting evidence is available should you insist.

Triedtotellyou

8:39 am on Friday, October 12, 2012

Sadly ... the PR firm influence was what was felt. Although i agree whole heatedly with the all of the positives at Triton, i have after all sent two children there and one was school choice, the entire night was orchestrated. Mr. Golden is a blessing compared to the previous Super BY FAR! But .. sadly he is not a strong administrator. This is evidenced by his lack of response and understanding that you have to make a statement prior to this all breaking. I understand the legal ramifications, but as a super you have to make sure the prosecutor understand that you can not be thrown to the wolves and you OWE your community a statement prior to all of this hitting the media. Last night was more evidence that he is running from this and hiding behind a PR firm. As soon as the meeting was over he ran out of the room ...Literally ... You need to stay and talk to your community and reassure people. Its your Job .. The District Attorney is HORRIBLE ... every question he addressed was handles horribly. Now i know why he recommended hiring a PR firm, he should not be speaking to humans of any kind. Furthermore, it does seem the the hiring of a PR Firm with still paying these idiot teachers and admin is Inappropriate!

In summary, We are MONTHS into this, and still the district admin is hiding from it and acting like they do not have to address the community in any real way. PR produced statements, and orchestrated testimonials are NOT what the taxpayers need to hear or want to see.

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Triedtotellyou

10:07 am on Friday, October 12, 2012

Elaine Lanzilotta "For all those who have strong "OPINIONS" about last nights meeting . . . why weren't you there to express them instead of throwing almost "everyone" including ex-Triton students under the bus!!"

Elaine Lanzilotta I in fact was there last night .. and in no way want to throw anyone under the bus .. present or past students as both of my children went and or go to Triton. What should be thrown under the bus is how this was handled. Secondly, i have expressed my OPINIONS privately in my own way with administration as i saw fit. As i said clearly ... Triton is the STUDENTS and they should all be proud of being alumni or current students .. it has nothing to do with teachers, the building, the school or disctrict Admin. Triton is the student body and what they make of their experience. Wish you had left your comment up for comment on this board.

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Ric

11:04 am on Friday, October 12, 2012

What happened to Triton, the victims, students, families, the innocent teachers and staff, and community is terrible. Instead of having the superintendent's offices at a separate building, could having his and his staff's offices located at the schools help prevent the cover up? I would expect having him on campus would make him and his staff more accessible to the students and he would pick up more information. Having him work out of a “lofty tower” insulates him from the schools, he only hears what the principals want him to know. Yet, ultimately what happened here falls on his shoulders.

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mathforeveryone

1:21 pm on Friday, October 12, 2012

Remember what the prosecutor said, he used the word "culture." What this means is it's not just about what those three teachers did but also about what others in that school didn't do.

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Triedtotellyou

1:58 pm on Friday, October 12, 2012

Sadly Math ... it is a culture when a Principal and VP decide to cover it up and minimize the teachers and protect them instead of the kids in the school and the taxpayers and the parents. That as far as i can tell is a culture. Not every teacher is bad, no. Not every Admin is bad, no .... But .. it seems clear from having a child at Triton as a senior last year that it was common knowledge that something was going on. And if it in fact was then other teachers had to know something and chose to not speak up. Last night one community member made an excellent point, why did the girl who finally spoke up feel she had to go to a substitute teacher? To me that does speak to somewhat of a culture of acceptance. Also the best evidence is that when it was brought to the admins attention they decides consciously to protect their fellow educators and disregard the well being of the student and the LAW ... i wish it was not this way but it is. And that culture needs to end NOW.

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Hadenough

11:57 am on Thursday, November 1, 2012

Math- You are correct. There were plenty of teachers who knew exactly what was going on and did absolutely NOTHING!!!

telepathy

3:44 pm on Friday, October 12, 2012

I love everyone's opinions. I want to ask that if Under New Jersey state law, school districts can only take away suspended educators' paychecks when they have been indicted on criminal charges, tenure charges seeking their termination have been filed, or the state has revoked their education licenses - then what about terminating all of them for breach of contract? That way it should be a no-brainer to end their pay, stop their ability to gain more in pension money, all without going through the long legislative process. A breach of any contracts seems to be grounds for immediate termination. Especially in this case. I also would like to add that I feel the school board should foot the bill for the PR firm. Jerry Sandusky or Penn State didn't have one. What makes these folks so much more important. This isn't hollywood. That attorney, Wade etc. He is the attorney for at least 80% of the schools in this area. He knew and he failed us too. Time to go too. On the matter of Messrs. Kollock and DePaul - my daughter suffered greatly because of their shenanigans. You have no idea how it felt to see and bear witness to Karma when the news broke and their pictures showed up on the tv screen. But now do they all have to register as Megan's Law offenders? Finally, The school board? Dishonest, controlling and full of themselves - and they have cost us money now. Let the games end. The residents of GT are tired of this kind of mismanagement of our lives. Let's Vote them Out next term.

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Schu

6:30 pm on Friday, October 12, 2012

Yet, when BOE Elections come around they'll be vote in again as this "culture" will continue in our district.

Brandie Rauber

10:23 am on Saturday, October 13, 2012

I am NOT taking sides, but I WOULD like to see some evidence as I believe in innocent until proven guilty. Perhaps because I no longer live in the state, I have missed some media coverage (which I hardly trust anyway) but I would like to see some evidence regarding the accusations like "Kollock forced a student to change her story," etc. Of course as a PROUD Triton Alumni I would HATE to see our school's reputation become somewhat like that of Penn State, but I am also waiting to see some actual evidence. If anyone has a valid source/link to share, I would appreciate it.

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Triedtotellyou

11:49 am on Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Brandie ..... trust me this is all credible information from first hand sources and the Principal and VP even admitted to protecting the teachers and not the children!

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Bill Lemon

12:47 am on Saturday, March 16, 2013

I don't believe the student was coerced to change her testimony as much as her story was rewritten to fit what the administrators wanted to "spin". The whole thing was a mess and no-one but no-one had the guts to do what was right. Not the administrators, teachers, or those "poor tortured' students who were so taken advantage of and were in no possible way culpable for their own actions; such as hanging out in the weight room after school hours dressed rather provocatively while one of the accused teachers was working out . I'm quite sure the teachers got what they rightly deserved for their stupidity. My only hope is that these poor "victimized" students remain prisoners of their own consciences as no one else seems to want to hold them responsible in any way. The Devil tempted Eve,who tempted Adam and paradise was lost and we've learned precious little since that time. We are all culpable and responsible as we pay our taxes to a corruptible system and never expect more than the status quo.

Anonymous 4 CamCo

11:26 am on Saturday, October 13, 2012

Brandie maybe should have paid closer attention in her civics class at dear old Triton. The prosecutor was contacted with allegations of wrongdoing by teachers and administrators at Triton. This was investigated. During the process the defendants were considered innocent and in fact in the eyes of the state, whom the prosecutors represent, still are. They were charged with various criminal offenses. Each will be tried in a court of law and their fate determined by a jury of their peers based upon the evidence presented. The district has standards that differ from the prosecutors. They are an employer and investigate claims of breaking internal policies. In this case it seems that the district has determined they broke district policies And therefore they suspended them with pay while the process continues. Public opinion dearest Brandie is only governed by personal opinion and perception. IMHO.

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Roger Delgado

12:07 pm on Saturday, October 13, 2012

Mister Anonymous: A slight correction. It was not "teachers and administrators" that contacted the prosecutor. In the media coverage, they reported "an informant" told the prosecutors office in late summer. This might have been a teacher, but it could also have been a student or parent.

Another question to consider is why does the county prosecutor have informants in Gloucester Township schools? Was this a kid busted for drugs trying to get out of trouble or was it a teacher or administrator under investigation for the stories we hear about corruption and influence peddling by the administration and school board members?

This is a little talked about point, but as a father of children about to enter the high schools I want to know why the county has informants in the district.

Schu

1:22 pm on Saturday, October 13, 2012

My guess is the county prosecutors has informants ( doubt it) to expose the culture of Triton High School. It doesn't end with the 5 disgraced teachers, I've rumors from my nephew that teachers sell alcohol to the students. Please CC investigators, do your research and find out who these people are. I'll keep trying to find out who these pervs are.

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Anonymous 4 CamCo

2:22 pm on Saturday, October 13, 2012

It s a great thing when an alum is a congressman or mayor what is not so great is when those people are investigated for corruption or use thug and bully tactics to forward their corrupt agenda. Never buy that an elected official is better than the common man. They are our servants and are to obey the people. Corrupt bullies is the theme of the Norcrats in the schools, the towns and the county. We are legion and we are watching.

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Darren Gladden

9:16 pm on Sunday, January 13, 2013

Who are these Legands that are watching .......

Maria Shaw

9:51 pm on Saturday, October 13, 2012

"The board has not expended any funds. It is through my law firm that retained the services of the media consultants," Wade responded.

And is the law firm paying for it and NOT charging the BOE for the service? I doubt it.. what a load of crap!

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Linda Musser

10:00 pm on Monday, October 15, 2012

Yes Maria, I thought the same thing when I read it. I am sure that John Wade's law firm in not picking up the tab even though the TAXPAYERS will have no say as to whether we want them to hire a PR firm! Why can't the attorney, Superintendent and School Board just field the questions and state "no comment, there is still an ongoing investigation". We had to pay $15K for someone else to say that???

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Triedtotellyou

11:54 am on Tuesday, October 16, 2012

The distinguished Mr. Wade Esq. was very clear that the BOE will be billed for every red cent spent on PR (CRISIS Management - when he realized he was in trouble) .. LMAO !

telepathy

10:20 pm on Saturday, October 13, 2012

I can't say for certain, but according to the prosecutor, the information was reported by a substitute teacher and a concerned student. They don't sound like informants, rather concerned individuals whose reporting to the administrators was covered up, and the facts tainted and twisted to protect the teachers' and the school's reputation. Also, the law firm and the boe should pay for this pr representation, not the taxpayers. Even those involved, teachers and administrators, should foot the bill. I also hope we aren't paying for these individuals' legal counsel. That would be a slap in the face. Their innocence is to be finalized by a trial and jury of their peers, but for the moment, it seems that at least one of the administrators 'did admit guilt' for her part in this egregious action. So fire her for God's sake!

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Roger Delgado

10:25 pm on Saturday, October 13, 2012

It was a student who reported it to a substitute teacher who reported it to the Principal, who pulled the cover up. It was an "informant" to told the County Prosecutor about it.

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Schu

1:23 pm on Sunday, October 14, 2012

That admin was depaul. Going to retire and live very nice down the shore while we pay for her pension for the next twenty years.

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Triedtotellyou

11:55 am on Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Informant yes, but that informant could have been another teacher, the original student, a parent etc? I doubt we have Informants roaming the halls at Triton.

telepathy

10:27 pm on Saturday, October 13, 2012

As far as a new Board to replace those stalemates - now is the time to get people ready to cease upon the moment. We need new representation. Those that are there now are dinosaurs. They are a part of the culture of hide and don't seek. They need to be sent home just like they send kids home who they find unsuitable to be in their schools. I firmly believe the parents and residents of this township will not sit too kindly to their current group when it comes time to replace them. They have failed us and have lost our trust. If there is anyone out their who can stand up and deliver a fair, honest and above all, positive and progressive representation of the BHPRSD - please come forward and let the people know who you are and vote for you. We need you now.

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Darrin's brother

9:04 am on Sunday, October 14, 2012

My vote is for Darren gladden. He is the only guy that will really have a zero tolerance for anything! He is for the people!

Just care, he does

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Triedtotellyou

11:56 am on Tuesday, October 16, 2012

we tried this once before and they actually found a political person they could control and throw money at to ensure we did not win! Its an uphill battle at best ... and from experience we may be 70,000 strong but when the peddle is to the metal people suddenly disappear! Sadly there needs to be a major shake up and its time is WAY OVERDUE !

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Darren Gladden

9:20 pm on Sunday, January 13, 2013

Thanks Bro but you spell me name wrong ;-( ....If you want change people this is the YEAR ........Just look at all the stuff going wrong it is time to CHANGE the top . Mayor needs to go and be ASAP .How do we do that we must all sign on the LINE for new Leadership ........Who wants to be Mayor .I'm looking to work hard to replace where the BUCK should stop .. My ears are open ........

CCGOP

10:31 pm on Sunday, October 14, 2012

The issue at hand is who knew what and when did they know it. The elected members of the BOE seem awfully silent and unwilling to question the status quo. The elected members of the BOE represent the people and are bound by that office to be our representatives and our voice. But instead they have taken the low road and are allowing the school board attorney to run the show and violate the public trust. It is a violation of the Open Public Meeting Act or OPMA for the board to have voted the way they did to allow Mr. Wade's law firm to hire the PR firm. It is dishartening and discouraging to see not one real leader among the nine duly elected members of the BHPRSD BOE. Shame on you all. Will any of you do the right thing and be the voice of the people and not the puppet of the political machine?

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Schu

11:50 pm on Monday, October 15, 2012

More teachers knew about this and did nothing.

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Triedtotellyou

11:58 am on Tuesday, October 16, 2012

highly probable and likely ... As it seems the entire student body knew ... how no other teachers could have known seems impractical.

telepathy

2:40 am on Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Can we hold a special election to get rid of this current board? Can we request the resignation of the Superintendent? What about those people who ran against this group in the last election? Is there a way to have the winners with the closet vote counts come on and replace these folks. They need to be removed right away. They are just downright too complacent and are incapable of handling the jobs to which they were elected to do on behalf of our children. We are 70,000 strong here in Gloucester Township. We need to impeach all of them! Can we petition this action immediately? If so, how.

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Triedtotellyou

12:01 pm on Tuesday, October 16, 2012

I wish ! But the right course of action might be to file a complaint for a violation of the Open Public Meeting Act or OPMA. Seems to me there is a clear cut case that this was violated and they need to be held accountable. Mr. Wade's arrogance needs to be challenged, lets see how smug he can be when served with papers for an OPMA violation as Board Council.

we tried this once before and they actually found a political person they could control and throw money at to ensure we did not win! Its an uphill battle at best ... and from experience we may be 70,000 strong but when the peddle is to the metal people suddenly disappear! Sadly there needs to be a major shake up and its time is WAY OVERDUE !

telepathy

12:17 pm on Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Hi Triedtotellyou, Okay. I am game to sign any petition for this complaint. Is it available online or just how/what/where can I get my name on the form.

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telepathy

12:22 pm on Tuesday, October 16, 2012

It's like if no one is willing to stand up and do something about this, it would be such a tragedy. Messing with our children is and should be the last straw. This matter has got to remain in the forefront of everyone's minds, parents and children alike. If we do nothing and let this idle by, then we will have failed our children miserably. Don't get me wrong, I feel for Triton and those who attend their to enjoy their education and those who work there to may the educational atmosphere a positive learning environment. It's important that we let the rest of the students and teachers know we have their backs and will not let this go without just punishment. They deserve better. They deserve our support and protection.

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Hadenough

11:27 am on Thursday, November 1, 2012

Telepathy - Please keep me posted as to the outcome of this petition. I am interested.

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Schu

1:26 pm on Monday, December 31, 2012

We are still paying these salaries for perverts and con artist.

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Schu

11:15 am on Saturday, January 12, 2013

Another week gone by more of our money going to the five criminals sitting at home collecting a check.

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Angie Jones

12:14 pm on Saturday, January 12, 2013

Isn't anyone bothering to follow up on this disgrace? Is there some kind of trial forthcoming?

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Pete Heinbaugh

1:01 pm on Saturday, January 12, 2013

Is there any remedy available for BHPRSD to retroactively recover this pay if these men are found guilty?

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Sean McCullen

1:39 pm on Saturday, January 12, 2013

Not sure, Pete. My guess is there is not a way for public entities to recoup money paid to suspended employees, but it's a good question and one I'll seek an answer on.

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Mel

1:56 pm on Saturday, January 12, 2013

If a school board hires a person they are told is unqualified and subsequently proved to be unqualified for a position, is it possible to recoup that salary?

Hadenough

4:35 pm on Saturday, January 12, 2013

Unfortunately, all 5 are still collecting a paycheck. Sentencing is pending. Apparently, one of the 5 charged, is holding things up. Cowards!!!! In my opinion, all 5 are guilty and should step up, take responsibility for what they did. Regardless of the girls’ ages, all 3 teachers broke the law when they made the choice to pursue these girls and the Principle and Vice Principle made the choice to HIDE the fact this was going on. Laws are put in place for a reason. Too much of this is going on. I hope this case sets the example that this type of behavior in unacceptable. And the teachers that kept their mouth shut, knowing full well this was going on, are just as guilty. How do you put your head down on your pillow at night ??? I hope this never happens to anyone they know or to their own kids. If this case doesn’t go the way it should, with at least an Official Misconduct Charge, not sure what will happen. There are a lot of angry parents out there.

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Sean McCullen

4:50 pm on Saturday, January 12, 2013

Still a long way to go before sentencing. There can't be sentencing without either a guilty verdict or a guilty plea. There haven't even been any indictments handed up yet. I would suspect indictments would happen late winter or early spring. My hunch is that short of a guilty plea--I expect there will be at least one in this case--we won't see anyone sentenced till 2014.

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Hadenough

5:42 pm on Sunday, January 13, 2013

I’m praying that isn’t the case!! Hoping that whoever is causing the holdup will come to their senses and realize that dragging the criminal case on and then having to face a civil suit will not only be detrimental for these girls and their families. But, of course, again, it’s all about them. Everyone is speculating as to what happened. These teachers were idolized by students while having their own agenda. The girls involved were groomed way before this scandal hit the news. EVERYONE in that school knew what was going on and NO ONE STOPPED IT. Makes me sick!! People can have their opinions; blame the parents and even the girls themselves. We live in a twisted society that allows for unaccountability for ones actions. The environment at Triton was/is LAX. I’m not sure this incident has had any effect with faculty and students. If these 5 get away with a slap on the wrist, what kind of message will it send? There is a cloud over that school. Smug attitude and sense of entitlement reeks there!
To think that there are good people out of work and trying to provide for their families on what little income they have and these 5 are still getting a paycheck, sitting on their ass’s probably watching Duck Dynasty or Honey Boo Boo. SICKENING!

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Darren Gladden

9:26 pm on Sunday, January 13, 2013

I'm all with you HADENOUGH , Until you had to drag Duck Dynasty into this MUD . Sly and the boys don't need to be brought into this AREA B.S. ..........SMH ,,Just kidding this song is for u http://youtu.be/nSS0wtjrm1U JCID

Hadenough

5:55 am on Monday, January 14, 2013

LOL ... Thank you Darren!
My hope is that this case will not go by the wayside! The school was put in the spotlight for maybe a few weeks. Those girls will be effected for life! The abuse of power at Triton or any school needs to stop.

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Hadenough

9:24 am on Tuesday, January 15, 2013

The five arrested - teachers, principle and vice principle are technically " STILL" employed !!!! They are still receiving a paycheck ... The board legally can't fire any of them until they are indicted or plead guilty which NONE have done yet. If they plead not guilty and move forward, if a grand jury finds them guilty, they automatically do at least 5 years in jail ! I hope they are found guilty and thrown in prison. Our justice system is one that gives time to those charged to decide how they will plea. Its a game of " chicken". 3 months is LONG ENOUGH to have them sitting around, collecting our money. ALL A GAME !! Its not a game to those families dealing with the aftermath of what occurred. For all those parents out there that put blame on the girls, SHAME ON YOU !! You wouldnt be blaming them if one of them were your daughter. There is something terribly wrong with people today. No one wants to take responsibilty for anything. No one wants to get involved. Its apalling how many people knew about this long before it hit the news. They did NOTHING!! Disgrace!! Our kids are not safe ANYWHERE!

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Schu

11:09 am on Thursday, January 17, 2013

Disappointing we are paying their salary while the five arrested criminals are sitting home. For all we know they are texting all over again.

Hadenough

11:38 am on Thursday, January 17, 2013

The real disapointment is in those who run the BHP School District and the Teachers in Triton. Yes, I also agree that they are all home, texting and watching Ellen. At this moment, i hope the thoughts of all that has happend penetrates their brain and triggers a sense of remorse because so far, i havent heard or seen anything that suggests otherwise. DePaul " Hid information to PROTECT her Teachers !" That in itself gives you an idea just how twisted that school is. You not only have the Principle hiding information, but also the Vice Principal??? Are kids aren't safe in that school AT ALL!!!!

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Head

12:58 pm on Thursday, January 17, 2013

Continuing to pay these salaries is outrageous and a slap in the face of every taxpayer in the District.
Mr. Golden and BHPRSD officials are acting cowardly, even negligent, in continuing to pay these five individuals. They will tell us that they have no choice; that, contractually, these salaries must be paid.

I say, we should all be infuriated by this. I say that the BHPRSD should do the right thing and simply DO NOT pay these individuals. Hold the salary amounts in abeyance or something, but just don't pay them.

Whatever is stated in the CBA with the teachers, it surely can't be reasonably interpreted to allow for continuing to pay salaries in a situation like this.
If the union would have the gall to protest such an action, they would be crushed and damaged in the court of public opinion. Additionally, the BHPRSD could use the PR firm it hired to get out in front of this maneuver, and let everyone be aware of what is happening.

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Head

1:17 pm on Thursday, January 17, 2013

I also believe that we should all be angered by the BRPRSD's decision to use our tax dollars to hire a PR firm to deal with this incident.

Look, when it comes right down to it, most people's jobs are to deal with exceptions. If everything just went smoothly all the time, then monkeys could do it.
We elected and hired these folks to do this job, and look what they do...when things get tough, they pay someone else to deal with it, to deal with a situation that occurred under their watch. Appalling.

(The reason that was given for hiring the PR firm was so that the firm could deal with the distractions, and allow BHPRSD leaders to continue to do their jobs. So, I'll refrain from suggesting that, given the twisted situation at the school, we would probably be better off if these folks were indeed distracted from doing their jobs.)

Schu

5:22 pm on Friday, January 18, 2013

Another week gone by, more of our money going to the five criminals to sit at home, text young girls with no progress from the county prosecutors office. The school board is silent on the issue because they don't want to take responsibility.

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Head

12:53 pm on Friday, February 1, 2013

Thanks, Schu, for your continued reminders on this ongoing travesty.
Do you know if there was any mention of this at Thursday's BHPRSD public meeting?

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Head

10:52 am on Saturday, January 19, 2013

Thanks, Schu, for your continued reminders on this ongoing travesty.
Do you know if there was any mention of this at Thursday's BHPRSD public meeting?

Schu

4:10 pm on Friday, January 25, 2013

Been another week and the five criminals are still getting paid to sit home collecting a taxpayer funded check. Our elected BOE refuse to take responsibility by sweeping the entire scandal under the rug.

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Hadenough

11:52 am on Thursday, January 31, 2013

The five educators charged in the sex scandal—teachers Jeffrey Logandro, 32, Nicholas Martinelli, 28, and Daniel Michielli, 27, and administrators Catherine DePaul, 55, and Jernee Kollock, 39—currently are suspended with pay.

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Schu

10:35 am on Friday, February 8, 2013

The first full week of February and we're still paying these "adults" are getting a paycheck.

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Head

11:26 am on Friday, February 8, 2013

Schu,
In the Pine Hill teacher scandal, according to the Phila Inquirer, the alleged perpetrator was originally suspended with pay in March 2011; then on Wednesday was suspended without pay.

We need to grill the BHPRSD Board as to why they don't have the wherewithal to now stop paying the five educators charged in this sex scandal—teachers Jeffrey Logandro, 32, Nicholas Martinelli, 28, and Daniel Michielli, 27, and administrators Catherine DePaul, 55, and Jernee Kollock, 39.

The next BHPRSD Public Board meeting is 7:00PM, Thursday Feb. 21, at Triton HS.

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Head

11:36 am on Friday, February 8, 2013

CORRECTION -
According to the BHPRSD schedule, and verified over the phone, there are two BHPRSD Public Board meetings in February:

7:00PM, Thursday Feb. 14, at Triton HS
7:00PM, Thursday Feb. 21, at Triton HS

Sean McCullen

11:47 am on Friday, February 8, 2013

The difference is the Pine Hill teacher has been indicted by a grand jury. That's why he is now suspended WITHOUT pay, nearly 2 years after the suspension took affect. The Triton educators have not been indicted. Until they are, they're going to get paid. It's really that simple. It may stink for taxpayers, but that's how the system works. You can't, under state law, take educators' pay in the absence of an indictment or the filing of tenure/termination charges--the latter of which rarely precede the former in cases of alleged criminal conduct.

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Sean McCullen

11:51 am on Friday, February 8, 2013

I'm curious whether the district can/will sue to recoup the money paid to the suspended educators since their suspensions began if there ultimately are convictions or guilty pleas entered. We'll see.

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