Temporary administrators leading Beach Haven School after superintendent is let go

For the remainder of the school year, two new, temporary administrators have taken over for Beach Haven School Superintendent EvaMarie Raleigh, who was released from her contract during a board of education meeting Wednesday, Sept. 30.

Raleigh, hired after former long-time administrator Patricia Daggy left in June 2013, was set to resign her position at the end of her three-year contract, effective June 30, 2016. She was let go earlier than expected due to a personnel matter.

Photo by Ryan Morrill
School board members approved the
decision Wednesday, Sept. 30.

During Raleigh’s tenure, board members questioned her actions surrounding issues such as program reconfigurations, funding and security. She was ordered to take a psychological evaluation in June.

Raleigh has also been criticized by student parents for being unqualified for the position and being unreceptive to their concerns.

Raleigh has considered much of the controversy to be an attack. She declined to comment on the current situation.

Although she had intended to stay at the school until her retirement in about five more years, Raleigh said during a board meeting in March the job “is more of a principal position with district responsibilities.” She recommended the board hire both a school principal and shared superintendent for her replacement.

Richard Starodub, who spent the last 20 years as superintendent during his nearly three decades with the Lacey Township School District before retiring in 2011, has been chosen acting superintendent of the Beach Haven School. He has provided mentorships and professional development for educators since his retirement, school officials noted.

Linda Downing, a retired principal from the Toms River School District who has also served as a member of the Lacey Township Board of Education, is serving the Beach Haven School as principal.

Starodub is working approximately one day per week, and Downing is leading the staff and students.

“Both the superintendent and principal will work collaboratively to ensure that our building is covered and that the staff and students have the benefit of their constant oversight and guidance,” officials stated. “This plan provides the Beach Haven School community the educational oversight very much needed during this transitional year, in a manner that is not cost prohibitive.”

Board members will meet during the coming months to discuss finding a permanent superintendent, who is anticipated to start July 1. Updates will be provided as “details become available.”

“This board is committed to hiring a superintendent of schools that will maintain the high goals that we have set for our community, staff and most importantly, students,” officials said.  “We ask for your patience as we proceed through this transition period.”

— Kelley Anne Essinger


This article was published in The SandPaper.