School Official: Teacher Probe 'Not a Witch Hunt'
But Superintendent Dr. Charles Maranzano says Hopatcong would consider any evidence that could aid investigation into suspended high school teacher Hilary Gorzelnik.
Hopatcong schools Superintendent Dr. Charles Maranzano said Monday the district would consider any evidence from the public that could help the investigation into the suspended high school teacher alleged to have violated the district's code of ethics.
But he also said the district doesn't have it out for 31-year-old physical education teacher Hilary Gorzelnik, who was suspended with pay June 6.
"If someone were to send it to us, we would embrace any bit of evidence," Maranzano said. "But let's also say this is not a witch hunt."
Last Friday, NJ.com reported Maranzano said he had "very serious concerns" that the physical education teacher could have been involved with possibly improper emails and text messages with male and female students. He also said Gorzelnik, a girls soccer coach, had been suspended to keep her from students until the investigation ends, the report said.
Maranzano said Monday the district is "focusing on everything" in its investigation into Gorzelnik, a seven-year Hopatcong teacher.
"But the only thing I can focus on in this investigation is substantive evidence, not casual evidence," he said. "The public has to understand, like a criminal attorney or like a judge or someone who has the responsibility to judge performance, you need substantive evidence to go on."
New Jersey Education Association Director of Communications Steve Wollmer couldn't immediately be reached for comment Monday.
But Wollmer has said the district's investigation has yet to turn up hard evidence pointing to anything criminal or event a breach of staff conduct policy.
Board of Education President Cliff Lundin said in an email he couldn't comment on specifics regarding the investigation.
"The Board members are not privy to the details of the on-going investigation," he said. "I would anticipate that the administrative staff will probably brief the Board on the status of the investigation during the closed or executive session portion of our meeting next week. All allegations will be investigated. Anyone with any evidence or relevant information should direct it to Dr. Maranzano's office. The Board and the administration is following the procedures required by statute, regulation and case law and as recommended by our counsel."
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qftl60
9:15 am on Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Unfortunately this is a very serious issue for the admin and the teacher; however, in this day of modern technology I'm sure her e-mails and text messages could have been read by this time. There must have been substantial information for the admin to even consider suspending Ms. Gorzelnik; what are school policies with regard to the allegations brought against her? Is that a sticking point? Now the public is being asked to come forward - really - do you think the students are going to throw one of their own to the wolves? "The Board members are not privy to the details of the on-going investigation," (Cliff Lundin, President) - really???? Enough said - if any of the allegations are true then Ms. Gorzelnik crossed the line, regardless of school policies, ethically, if not, then drop the issue and move on. Where are all the bloggers? Seems to me this is something important to discuss openly; it's a sad day when you hear from people that they saw your town on channel 7 news (New York)!
There's constant "news" regarding drugs and drunk driving, theft on any given day being reported but nothing appeared here regarding this issue for almost two weeks
after the incident was all over town.
Sonia Joseph
9:15 am on Tuesday, June 19, 2012
If the school system has to go out and look for more evidence, it is a witch hunt!!!
The teacher should be judged on the evidence that caused her to be suspended in the first place, and that's it. Superintendent's are not qualified lawyers or judge's, they march to the tune of what the parents want, not logic.
Matt W.
9:42 am on Tuesday, June 19, 2012
I hope the truth is the only thing looked at. Not wild and unproven accusations. I think it would be a real shame to lose a good teacher/coach/driving instructor on rumors that can't be backed up.
Lurky Loo
12:19 pm on Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Maybe there's a witch hunt because she refuses to give up her phone records and deleted her facebook account.
Daniel Rodriguez
12:18 pm on Tuesday, June 19, 2012
I agree with Matt at this point most of what you get from the people is the rumors that have been spread throughout the town only hard evidence should be used
Mr. Confidential
12:18 pm on Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Sounds like they have no substantial evidence if there reaching out to the public. Sounds like there reaching for anything cause they have nothing to go on and are afraid there a$$es are gonna get sued
Kellie Schmidt Battaglia
8:36 pm on Wednesday, June 20, 2012
It is never appropriate for a teacher to be texting students, ever. When I first started teaching, I was 23 years old and I had 17 and 18 year old students in the classes I taught at Hackettstown high school. I also had a 20 year old boy on my track team. I was always sure to act in a manner that would never allow anyone to question my professionalism. If I could figure it out at 23, then this "girl" should be able to do so at 31. Without meeting her I would feel safe to wager a guess that she is emotionally stunted and every day is a chance for her to relive her glory days-- high schools are filled with this type of individual.