East Windsor Schools Rescinds Principal Job Offer To Cherry Hill Admin Amid Lawsuit

EAST WINDSOR, NJ — The East Windsor Regional School District (EWRSD) is resuming its search for a new principal at Hightstown High School.

During their meeting on Monday, the Board of Education members voted to rescind the principal job offer previously extended to Daniel Finkle. The vote was taken during an executive session.

Finkle, currently principal at Cherry Hill High School East in Camden County, is named as a defendant in a lawsuit filed by former Cherry Hill High School East Assistant Vice Principal David Francis-Maurer.

According to the lawsuit, Francis-Maurer was notified on May 13 that his employment contract with the Cherry Hill School District would not be renewed.

In the lawsuit filed Sept. 8 in Camden County Superior Court, Francis-Maurer alleges the district retaliated against him after he raised concerns about discriminatory comments from administrators and failure to follow school policy.

The lawsuit claims the school's principal, Finkle, told Francis-Maurer at the start of the school year to "leave his identities at the door." Francis-Maurer alleges the remark referenced his sexual orientation and Jewish faith.

After Monday’s meeting, Superintendent Mark Daniels sent out an email to the high school community, informing them of the latest developments.

“At its meeting on September 29, the Board of Education approved the recommendation to rescind the recent appointment of the Hightstown High School Principal, who was scheduled to begin in November,” Daniels said.

“The district is in the process of reopening the search for a new high school principal. Fortunately, Mr. Vinson, the current principal, has agreed to extend his time with the district to ensure the continuity of leadership while we identify a viable replacement.”

During the Monday meeting, student representative Sofia Buda expressed her concern over Finkle’s appointment. “The student body has raised concerns with the newly appointed principal," Buda said. She noted that student representatives "received many questions about what the future leadership of Hightstown High School might be.”

On Sept. 8 the BOE approved Finkle’s appointment. This was before they were aware of the lawsuit. Finkle was due to begin his new role on Nov. 10.

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