Wyckoff BOE Hires Interim Eisenhower Middle School Principal

WYCKOFF, NJ — The Wyckoff Board of Education has appointed an interim principal at Eisenhower Middle School as the suspension of Principal Christopher Iasiello continues.

Maria Corso was approved by the board at a meeting on Monday, and will start on Aug. 9. Corso spent 25 years as a principal and assistant principal in various New Jersey districts, including 15 years in Fair Lawn, Superintendent Kerry Postma said.

She is the recipient of the National Distinguished Principal Award, and the past president of the New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association. Since her retirement, she has taken a number of interim roles, including as a principal, Postma said.

The news comes as Iasiello's absence continues. Postma, in an email, said "no board action was taken last night on the pending administrative matter."

Iasiello was suspended alongside Assistant Principal Christopher Giordano in early 2021 as the school investigated reports of a "sexting incident" that happened in October 2020. Both were suspended with little explanation from the district, but Giordano was reinstated in March. Read more: Wyckoff Parents Seek Answers In Sudden Departure Of Principals

However, his return was short-lived, as he resigned effective June 30.

"We appreciate Mr. Giordano's service to the district. He is shifting careers and going to work for an educational technology company which is something he has long been passionate about. We wish him the best in his new endeavor," said Superintendent Kerry Postma, at the time.

Meanwhile, Iasiello filed a petition of appeal in April hoping to end his suspension, while in the process revealing more about the circumstances that surrounded it. Read more: Suspended Wyckoff Middle School Principal Seeks Reinstatement

According to the petition, Iasiello said the alleged sexting event involved his daughter, a "special needs student" at Eisenhower Middle School.

On October 16, Iasiello's daughter was the victim of "sexually predatory behavior by several male students who pressured her to 'flash' her breast and, without her consent, video recorded the incident." That video was then circulated on at least one social media site, according to the petition.

Iasiello learned about the video around Oct. 19, and the district opened four Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (HIB) investigations. Because it involved his daughter, Iasiello recused himself from the investigation, the petition said.

Giordano was informed that Iasiello planned to recuse himself, and, according to the petition, said he would take the lead on it.

Iasiello's attorney also filed a notice of tort claim with the district on March 17, which includes "issues of money damages," according to the petition.

The claim alleges that Iasiello's suspension is a "retaliatory measure" for criticisms he made against the superintendent, including COVID-19 reopening strategies.

It also alleges that Postma "engaged in a repeated and targeted campaign of sexual harassment" against Iasiello, and shared confidential employment information with parents in the district.

But Iasiello is also being investigated for his handling of a middle school teacher who committed alleged "acts of misconduct" during the 2019-2020 school year. The district said Isaiello's reinstatement would have a "chilling effect" on that ongoing investigation, Northjersey.com reports.

Keep up to date with what's happening in your community by subscribing to your local Patch newsletter here.