Middle Board of Education Accepts Landgraf’s Resignation

Video Caption: This Youtube video by Rick Shaftan was posted by NorthJersey.com and features Walter Landgraf during a visit by Gov. Jon S. Corzine to the Middle Township Performing Arts Center last year.
COURT HOUSE — Middle Township Board of Education accepted the resignation of its 10-year administrator-secretary Walter Landgraf at a Tuesday, Sept. 1 meeting.
The board convened in special session, and, at the conclusion, adopted a resolution accepting Landgraf’s resignation effective Feb. 1, 2010.
“He is being placed on administrative leave until that date,” said Superintendent Michael Kopakowski.
He could not comment further on the personnel matter. Landgraf will continue to be paid, his salary was $131,150.
Landgraf had been suspended from his position since early June for unspecified actions.
Cheri Ludy, assistant school business administrator/board secretary, has been performing Landgraf’s duties since Landgraf’s suspension. On June 18, the board approved Ludy’s salary for the 2009-2010 year at $71,815.
At the Aug. 20 board meeting, a question was asked about Landgraf’s status, since little had been disclosed.
Solicitor William Donio cited personnel reasons for not discussing Landgraf’s case.
Members of the public were not alone anxious to learn the matter’s outcome.
According to minutes of the board’s July 16 meeting: “(Solicitor Amy) Houck updated the board members regarding the suspension, with pay, of WL and LH. A report has not yet been given from the independent counsel. Board members raised concern that the process is taking too long. It was recommended that the board allow the independent counsel 14 days to issue the report as the district needs to rebound from this event.”
Minutes of the board’s June 8 closed meeting reveal the district’s initial concern: “Mr. Donio addressed the board members regarding the suspension, with pay, of WL and the allegations brought against WL by LH through LH’s attorney. Mr. Donio stressed the board did not have many facts before it, but the facts and allegations are sufficient to warrant paid suspension pending the investigation.
“Jeff Waldman was introduced by Mr. Donio as independent counsel to the board for investigative purposes into the matter of WL and LH. Mr. Waldman briefly reviewed the general purpose of an investigation and the process. Mr. Waldman was then excused from the meeting.”
Contact Campbell at (609) 886-8600 ext 28 or at: al.c@cmcherald.com