Negron Named Interim HS Principal

After Board of Education members tabled a proposal to make H.S. Assistant Principal Ralph Errico the school's interim principal, the panel last night voted to fill the position with embattled Superintendent of Schools Jose Negron.

Board members complained about receiving Errico's name shortly before the meeting, which led them to table voting on the recommendation, which came from Negron.  After tabling Errico's move, Board member Debbie Boyle read a statement in which she pointed out the board's authority to assign Negron the interim duties. 

Board members Bill Seesselberg and Steven Bohn voted against both measures, while Board President Jim Giannakis abstained.

Negron is in the last year of his contract, and in June the Board voted not to offer him a new contract.  Tensions between Negron and the board seemed apparent, especially when Board member Debbie Boyle questioned Negron's refusal to recommend former H.S. Principal Tony Massaro for the interim post.

Massaro recently stated in a local newspaper that he would take the interim position and donate part of his stipend to the South Plainfield Education Foundation.  Nevertheless, Negron has refused to offer his name in a recommendation, which is required before the Board can make the appointment.  The superintendent also declined to comment any further on the matter, claiming it was a personnel matter.