Rumson Parents Prep Rally for Teacher

This story was updated after Rumson-Fair Haven Patch was informed that an email circulated on behalf of a parents' group Monday had claimed participants who had not agreed to be included in it. We apologize for any inconvenience to those named.

A group of  parents say they will take on the Board of Education tonight over its recent decision not to renew the contract of a popular third grade Deane Porter School teacher.

They pledge to turn out in force at the 8 p.m. board meeting at .

A contingent of parents has fanned a firestorm of rage at Rumson Schools Superintendent Maryrose Caulfield-Sloan for what they allege is unprofessional behavior toward the teacher, them and students in this matter and others. 

“What began as a quest to seek answers about the non-renewal of a beloved third-year teacher quickly became ugly when the superintendent told several parents, ‘I guess I'm getting a taste of The Real Housewives of Rumson ...’’’ said an email circulated to Patch and other media outlets today under the name of realhousewiferumson@aol.com.

According to the email, many parents, some under the banner of “The Real Housewives of Rumson,” are expected to show up at tonight’s meeting. 

Caulfield-Sloan could not be reached for comment.

“The Rumson community last night was robbed last night of a superb teacher,” said Brian Furry, a representative of the NJ Education Association (NJEA) on the matter, in an emailed message circulated to parents after a special meeting on the matter June 20.

Furry also said that one board member at the meeting made a motion to renew the teacher's contract. The motion was not seconded, so the non-renewal stuck.

According to Furry’s emails, the board has 30 days in which to explain its reasons for not renewing the teacher's contract for the coming school year.