Stafford Superintendent On Leave Following DUI: Reports

MANAHAWKIN, NJ — Following media reports of an October DUI crash, Stafford Township School District Superintendent George Chidiac has taken a temporary leave of absence, effective immediately.

The news was announced at Monday's school board meeting, according to the Asbury Park Press and the Sandpaper. Chidiac did not attend.

Board President Tammy Wagner said that Chidiac had taken a leave of absence as to not create a distraction in the district, according to the Sandpaper.

Originally, Monday's meeting was to include an amendment of Chidiac's contract, but this was removed from the agenda prior to the meeting. According to the Sandpaper, the new contract would extend his term to the 2028-29 school year, coinciding with a new five-year deal where he would also serve as superintendent of the Eagleswood School District as well.

His salary would have been set at $225,000 (initially it was to be $210,058 this year when the contract was last reworked in 2022) with three percent increases each school year through June 2029 and an extra $35,000 for Eagleswood this year, increasing by $5,000 each year, according to the Sandpaper.

Stephanie Bush, district director of curriculum and instruction, is now acting superintendent, the Asbury Park Press said.

Some residents called for Chidiac to be fired. Barbara Crystal, a retired teacher who recently made an unsuccessful bid for mayor, said that Chidiac should be held to a higher standard, especially after the district paid $425,000 in 2021 to settle a sexual harassment lawsuit by a former employee against Chidiac, the Asbury Park Press reported.

Chidiac will remain on leave until further notice. He is set to appear in Berkeley Township Municipal Court on Dec. 16.