Former principal, Vernon administrators call for investigation

VERNON — After a tumultuous week involving student protests against Vernon Superintendent Arthur DiBenedetto’s choice to be the new high school principal, DiBenedetto is now facing public allegations of unbecoming conduct, discriminatory actions against older employees and bypassing state laws regarding students suspected of drug or alcohol abuse.
Former high school principal Timothy Dunnigan lobbed the allegations against DiBenedetto at the school board meeting Thursday night, ultimately calling for his dismissal, but similar accusations were formally sent back in March to school district attorney Nathanya Simon in a letter from Robert M. Schwartz of the Schwartz Law Group.
Schwartz’s letter, obtained by The Advertiser News and dated March 22, says it was written “on behalf of Vernon administrators” and lists multiple instances of DiBenedetto allegedly failing to follow state procedures for students suspected of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and indecent conduct such as swearing at administrators and making lewd comments to a female colleague.
In the letter, Schwartz says that DiBenedetto’s actions “have placed students and staff at risk, placed the district in legal jeopardy, and have created a hostile work environment.” Schwartz’s letter called for an independent investigation into DiBenedetto’s conduct and its impact on Vernon Township School District staff.
DiBenedetto said Monday said he believes the state policy for sending students suspected of using drugs or alcohol for medical evaluations and drug testing is flawed.
“If a child falls asleep in class and is groggy upon waking up, there is a chance he/she can be referred for a drug test,” DiBenedetto said. “I believe that is simply wrong, especially with younger students.”
When contacted by The Advertiser-News, school attorney Simon said, “Since the matter involves personnel, I cannot respond to you with any information.”
Schwartz could not be reached to confirm whether the letter was sent or which Vernon administrators he represents.
At the school board meeting, Dunnigan said, “We’ve had a number of administrators leave this district in the last year and a half and they didn’t leave for the reasons of retirement. They left because of the hostile work environment created by Mr. DiBenedetto and (Assistant Superintendent) Dr. (Charles) McKay. That’s why we left.”
McKay did not respond by press time.
Dunnigan also said at the meeting that when his assistant principal mistakenly violated the same state policy for handling students suspected of using drugs or alcohol, he was fired within the hour by a previous administration. Serving until last summer, Dunnigan left his position as Vernon Township High School principal and is now the principal of St. Therese’s Catholic School in Succasunna.
Controversy surrounding DiBenedetto started earlier this month, after the school board approved DiBenedetto's recommendation of Pauline Anderson, currently principal of Glen Meadow Middle School, to serve as the new high school principal over the high school's current assistant principal, Nancy LoPresti.
A search committee recommended LoPresti.
On Thursday, hundreds of students reportedly participated in a peaceful walkout from classes that lasted about two hours, protesting the new principal selection. Students expressed their feelings that LoPresti should be made high school principal over Anderson.
At the board meeting, Dunnigan said that LoPresti didn’t share the same vision as DiBenedetto and McKay.
“Well if [DiBenetto’s] vision is cursing at administrators during administrators’ meetings, or is willfully ignoring 18A laws and drug and alcohol policies and saying ‘f--- the contract and f--- the laws,’ then you know what, [LoPresti] does not share that vision,” Dunnigan said.
Board of Education President David Zweier denied Dunnigan’s charge that the school board looks the other way on issues or concerns with children or teachers.
“Accusations are not necessarily fact and due diligence is due in any personnel matter,” he said. “The superintendent, like any staff member, is entitled to privacy concerning personnel issues and details can only be discussed in executive session unless directed to be public by the individual.”
The Board of Education scheduled an additional meeting for Tuesday at 5 p.m. at the Board of Education building on Route 15. The announcement states the board will go into closed session immediately and no action will be taken.