Middle School Assistant Principal Resigns

Assistant Principal Jay Eitner has resigned from his position in the district, and will be replaced by former Dean of Students Philip Kinney.

The board of education held a special meeting Tuesday afternoon, voting unanimously to grant Eitner a two-month leave of absence–effective Aug. 21 through Oct. 21–with his resignation effective immediately following.

The board would not disclose the reason behind Eitner’s decision or need for the leave of absence and resignation, only that it was for personal reasons.

Eitner has been in the assistant principal capacity in the district since 2010, recently completing his second full year at the Middle School.

Prior to joining Washington Township, Eitner was an American History teacher for six years in East Brunswick, and a classroom teacher at St. Joseph the Carpenter School for three years before that.

‘Hit The Ground Sprinting’

The board also approved the hiring of Philip Kinney as the interim assistant principal. The former dean of students will begin in his new role Wednesday.

“With a resignation coming so late in the summer,” Superintendent Jeff Mohre said, “we wanted someone familiar to the school. (Kinney) is a respected leader in the school community.”

Kinney's former position was eliminated before the start of the 2010-11 school year due to budget constraints.

Middle School Principal Mark Ippolito said the school was still on schedule to open without any problems, and echoed Mohre’s sentiments about Kinney.

“Being able to open on time is the catalyst behind (Kinney),” Ippolito said. “He’ll be ready to hit the ground sprinting.”

Kinney was hired at a per diem rate of $400 with no health benefits. Eitner’s salary was $80,000 in the 2010-11 school year.

The first day of school for Washington Township is Wednesday, Sept. 5.