Teacher Sets Retirement After Weeklong Suspension

Embattled Hillsborough High School teacher Jeffrey Kampf, who had been suspended for a week earlier this month, has submitted his plans to retire.

In his announcement, Kampf said he had "endured significant struggles with the high school and district administrators" that led to the brief, paid suspension while officials investigated complaints about classroom discussions that was approved by a 3-1 vote of the board of education.

"I do not believe the suspension was warranted, and I remain troubled by the fact that the administration found it necessary to take drastic action under questionable circumstances," he said in the letter issued through his attorney, Paul Barger, of Iselin.

Kampf praised his students and said during his 10 years at the school, he had "the pleasure of teaching an extraordinary student population."

But he said he felt it was time to retire, and said he was not being forced out but rather leaving on his own terms. He said he will finish the year, since it would be "unfair" to the students for him to leave sooner.

"I cannot thank my current students, alumni, colleagues, parents and community members enough for the support you have all shown to me during this difficult time," he said. "That reassurance convinced me to return to the classroom, and proved to me that my philosophy on educating young people is still supported by many."

The Hillsborough Beacon reported the board approved Kampf's retirement at the March 21 meeting.