Lacey Schools Superintendent Submits Letter Of Retirement

LACEY TOWNSHIP, NJ - Schools Superintendent Craig Wigley has decided to retire, a decision he calls "the most difficult one of my life."

Wigley made the announcement during the public portion of Monday night's Board of Education meeting.

"Although this is a personal decision, I will share that due to recent health challenges, my family's well-being, and the recent loss of several close friends long before their years, I have been advised it is time to step away," he said.

Wigley made no reference to the turmoil of the last two months that revolved around the apparent in-school suspension of two advanced placement students who some say were punished because they posted photos of guns at a gun range on a social media page.

Audience members lambasted and booed the board about the reported suspensions at the March 19 meeting. But Wigley, board members and school administrators were advised by Board Attorney Christopher Supsie not to discuss any confidential details involving students.

Wigley said he was confident the board would find an "outstanding" candidate to continue the good work of the district.

"After expending a zest, passion, and love for the profession I have endeared for 30 years, this is the time to gracefully end my public service as an educator," he said in his retirement letter. "I want to thank the Lacey Township Board of Education for permitting me the incredible opportunity to lead this outstanding district for the past two years. Be assured the district leadership team, staff, students, and parents are in a better place now than when I arrived in July 2016."

Wigley replaced former superintendent Sandra Anthony. A previous board in 2014 gave Anthony - who was known as Sandra Brower then - a notice of non-renewal of her contract.

Anthony was suspended without pay in June 2013, after she was indicted by a Monmouth County grand jury and charged with second-degree official misconduct, third-degree hindering apprehension and fourth-degree obstruction during the time she was assistant superintendent in Wall Township.

Anthony was reinstated in February 2014, after the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office dropped all charges. She was entitled to back pay from the time she was suspended.

Wigley said he will retire sometime this summer.

Former school board member Regina Discenza said Lacey was losing its most "dynamic" superintendent.

Wigley's focus was on fostering student achievement. The Ocean County College's Dual Enrollment College
program was one of the district proudest moments, she said.

He was also heavily involved in student activities, including sports events, plays and concerts, Discenza said.

"Mr. Wigley was a godsend to the Lacey school district," she said. "He is the breath of fresh air this district so desperately needed. His greatest strength was his determination and eagerness to improve student achievement in the district. It was my honor and privilege to be on the hiring team for Craig Wigley in 2016. I

wish him all the best in his retirement after 30 years serving the public school children of New Jersey."

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