Several Months of Paid Absence for Galloway Principal John Gibson Leads to Resignation

On March 1, 2014, Galloway Township News was the first news agency to report the absence of a Galloway Township Public School Principal that caused great concern within the parental community of Galloway Township. 

At that time Dr. Annette C. Giaquinto, Superintendent of Galloway Township Public Schools notified parents of children within Arthur Rann Elementary School and Pomona Preschool that "John Gibson, Principal is currently out on leave." Giaquinto made that statement in a letter sent home to all parents on February 20, 2014.

Giaquinto stated, "because this leave is of a confidential nature, I am not able to provide you with any information at this time. I will update you as soon as possible."

On March 10, 2014, Galloway Township News reported that we reached out to the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office, Galloway Township Police, and the School District all of which remaining silent as to what reason(s), if any, are for the absence of this Galloway Township Principal. 

Gibson who earns an annual salary of $129,145.92 plus $4,000 in additional stipends, has been out on 'Paid' leave described as "Other" leave from January 30, 2014. 

According to current School Payroll records, Gibson is still out being paid. The leave has been considered under 'other' leave without using any of his accrued time except for four (4) vacation days used within the middle of that leave until March 12, 2014. Beginning on March 13, 2014, Gibson again began to use his accrued time of vacation and personal time. Gibson has been paid for 33 straight days of leave thus far. 

Giaquinto confirmed to Galloway Township News that Gibson's absence was that of a 'personnel matter' and further confirmed as of February 27, 2014, that no incident reports were filed. 

Now on March 24, 2014, Gibson submitted his letter of resignation for retirement purposes effective March 31, 2014, giving the school district one official week of notice. Gibson stated in his letter, "please accept this letter as notification of my resignation for the purpose of retirement effective at the close of business on March 31, 2014. I will have fond memories of the staff and students at Arthur Rann Elementary School and most recently the Pomona Pre-School."

Giaquinto released the letter of resignation to Galloway Township News stating, "since we already had a Board of Education meeting scheduled, we brought the resolution to accept the resignation to the Board and the Board accepted it. In the spirit of openness, we are providing this to you."

Giaquinto provided the letter after an OPRA request for documents we filed was already completed prior to Gibson's letter being received by the Board. Giaquinto and her staff have remained open in providing information as requested within the letter of the law. 

Galloway Township News assured our readers and parents that contacted us that we would follow this story and report our continued findings. 

Jg Resignation With Address Redacted by GallowayTwpNews