Ex-Central Super Still On Payroll After Bullying Scandal Resignation

BERKELEY, NJ — After controversy in the school district following the death of student Adriana Kuch, then-Superintendent Triantafillos Parlapanides resigned last Saturday.

But at Thursday's Board of Education meeting, residents brought that into question.

Late into the four-hour meeting, a concerned resident named Kia mentioned that the board had officially appointed Douglas Corbett as acting superintendent. However, there was no agenda item noting the acceptance of Parlapanides' resignation as there was for another employee, he pointed out.

He asked the board if this meant that taxpayers were now paying for double salaries.

And after a pause, Board Attorney Christopher Dasti answered yes - but could not discuss it any further as it was a personnel matter.

Kia asked about another item on the agenda approving an "administrative leave of absence" for an unnamed employee. He asked if this was Parlapanides.

Again, the board said that they could not discuss it as it was a personnel matter. This sparked outrage from the audience, who said they felt lied to.

That agenda item was approved by the board; however, board members Heather Koenig, Louis Tuminaro and Board President Denise Pavone-Wilson abstained on the vote. Two other board members were absent.

Questions about Parlapanides were raised by reporters in a press conference hosted by a public relations firm the district had hired prior to the meeting, particularly regarding comments he made to the press about Kuch's personal life and a comment made to News 12 saying that he did not want to "double whammy" a student by suspending them and charging them criminally.

But Corbett said he could not address anything regarding Parlapanides or about Kuch specifically, citing personnel issues again and an open investigation.

Previous Coverage:

No 'Culture Of Violence' At Central, Acting Superintendent Says

'We Want Justice': Central Students Protest After Classmate's Death

Thousands Raised For Family Of Bullied Bayville Teen

Central Superintendent Resigns In Aftermath Of Student Death

4 Central Teens Charged In Recorded Attack Following Student's Suicide

Memorial Vigil Honors Bayville Teen After Suicide

Officials Speak Out Following Bullied Bayville Teen Suicide

NJ Legislators Propose Amending Anti-Bullying Laws In Wake Of Suicide