Weeks after a surprise budget shortfall led to painful layoffs, former Lincoln Park Schools Superintendent Michael Meyer has apparently left his position.
In a letter to parents last week, Lincoln Park MIddle School Principal David Winston said he is acting as superintendent for the K-8 district. The letter didn't mention Meyer or explain his departure, but Winston wrote that the K-8 district is seeking a replacement.
"At present, I am serving not only as the Middle School principal but also as the acting superintendent of schools, while the district is in the process of finding an interim superintendent for the new school year," Winston said in his letter, sent July 15.
"Our administrative team is committed to ensuring that our schools are prepared and ready for a successful 2024-25 school year."
Winston didn't immediately return requests for comment on Monday. Meyer, who'd held the top spot for the last 3½ years, also did not return messages.
The school board and the superintendent took the brunt of the backlash at two packed meetings this spring where residents expressed outrage at the lack of transparency in the budget process. An unexpected, $2 million shortfall for the coming school year led to the board approving the layoffs of about 20 teachers and other staff members.
Lincoln Park superintendent's apology
"As superintendent, I take ownership of the situation we are in," Meyer said at the April 11 board meeting. "I recognize that I need to probe deeper and challenge information as it is presented in order to develop a more precise understanding and to ensure that my staff can demonstrate a thorough explanation of the decisions they are making."
He also apologized to board members for delays in informing them of the shortfall, promising to improve his communication with the board in the future.
Dana Fieldhouse, who has one son in Lincoln Park Elementary School and another in the middle school, expressed her anger at the meeting. "I think your excuse as to why you lost $2 million is pathetic," she told school officials. "I used to say I am proud to live in Lincoln Park. Now I am embarrassed. You let go of some amazing teachers and this will break the students' hearts."
The district, serving a borough of 11,000 residents, consists of two schools, the K-4 elementary school and a grades 5-8 middle school. It had a combined enrollment of 887 students as of the spring. Older students attend Boonton High School in a shared-service agreement.
The school board ultimately approved a $27 million budget for the 2024-25 school year. Board members said the final number of layoffs could change based on retirements and staff attrition.
The district's business administrator and school board secretary, Debra Andreniuk, declined to comment on the budget or Meyer's status when reached on Monday.
Email: NFlanagan@gannett.com
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