Superintendent's Contract Subject Of School Board Meeting In Stafford

STAFFORD, NJ — After several months of controversy, Stafford Township School District Superintendent George Chidiac's contract will be the subject of a hearing next month, according to public notice.

Chidiac went on leave from his role in November following media reports of an October DUI crash, Patch previously reported. It isn't clear if Chidiac has gone back to work, but a February message posted on the school district's website is attributed to him.

The hearing is set for the March 13 regular Board of Education meeting. Public notice says that the district plans to alter or amend Chidiac's contract. Under New Jersey law, school boards are required to give notice 30 days prior to changing a superintendent's employment contract.

"It is the intent of the Board of Education to take formal action on said employment contract at this meeting," the notice reads.

Chidiac's contract was up for discussion at the November school board meeting, but it was removed from the agenda prior to it due to the controversy. According to the Sandpaper, that proposed 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.

A Change.org petition was recently launched demanding Chidiac's removal.

"If our children are taught not to drink and drive, to respect others, then why should we accept someone at the helm who disregards these fundamental principles?" The petition reads. "These behaviors do not reflect the values we strive to instill in our children, and we firmly believe that his continued employment undermines the integrity of our education system."

"Chidiac has repeatedly shown serious lapses in judgement and moral conduct unbecoming of his esteemed position. It's time for Stafford Township Board of Education to take immediate action to begin terminating George Chidiac as superintendent," the petition continues.

The next Board of Education meeting is Feb. 20. Meetings start at 7 p.m. and February's will be held in the Stafford Township Arts Center; the March meeting will take place in Oxycocus School.