Embattled Barnegat School Super Vows To Stay Until Her Contract Runs Out

BARNEGAT TOWNSHIP - Just why the Barnegat Board of Education is not going to renew Superintendent Karen Wood's contract next year is still a mystery.

The board began advertising for a new superintendent in August.

Wood wants residents to know she isn't going anywhere until the day her contract expires in June 2018.

"I need to make it clear to everyone that my heart is in Barnegat as it has always been and I intend to stay in Barnegat until my last day of employment," Wood posted on Facebook. "Since the non-renewal I have come to work every day, just as dedicated as before the non-renewal. "

She continues to lead administrative meetings on a regular basis, gives tours in various school buildings, worked with students and on initiatives she has presented.

"I cannot comment on matters of politics, campaign flyers, or any of the information that's been put out to our community," she wrote. "All I can do is urge families and interested community members to do the research and be sure to support the candidate that reflects your views of what you think our school district needs. Regardless of what happens, I remain the proud, dedicated superintendent of schools in Barnegat. Thank you for letting me serve your children."

Wood had been at odds with the board over the summer. She posted a message on July 23 - which has since been removed - about possible illegal or criminal activities on the part of school board members and questioned their ethics.

She later apologized to board members, the district staff and the community for the Facebook post for her "poor word choices," according to a letter she posted on the district website.

..."I want to make clear that I have no knowledge of any illegal or criminal conduct by any members of the board, nor have any board members displayed such conduct," she wrote. "I am presently unaware of any violations of the school ethics act by any members of the board."

Her letter was posted two days before the school board voted not to renew her $155,977 contract, which expires on June 30, 2018.

Board President Scott Sarno said her post did not have any effect on the board’s decision, and declined to discuss reasons why her contract will not be removed, according to The Sandpaper.

“The superintendent has the option of discussing the matter in public or private, and she opted for private,” said Sarno. “Because of that, we cannot make any comments.”

But Wood has her supporters in town. A Facebook page -"Renew Karen Wood For Superintendent of Barnegat School District - was launched shortly after the board's decision not to renew her contract.

"Our mission is simple," a post by Rob Russo states. "We will unite as parents, registered voters, taxpayers and citizens of Barnegat to collectively request the Barnegat Board of Education not only reconsiders but renegotiates and renews the contract of our Superintendent, Karen Wood, beyond its expiration in June, 2018 in a fiscally sound manner for all."

Photo: Patch file photo.