The auditorium at Morristown’s Lafayette Learning Center was nearly full when we arrived shortly after 6:30 pm on Monday.
And it was still pretty packed six hours, two bags of vending-machine cookies and one Milky Way bar later, when the bizarre school board meeting wound down.
In between, it was standing room only for supporters of Morristown High School Principal Linda Murphy, who soon will have a new title for reasons known only to Linda and district officials at the moment.
The Morris School District is creating a $179,600 position called “director of human resources and community engagement,” which Linda will fill for one year until she retires.
Retired Frelinghuysen Middle School Principal Ethel Minchello will serve as MHS interim principal for one year, effective July 2, at an annual salary of $153,822.
Board President Nancy Bangiola said the move is not connected to the March suicide of MHS freshman Lennon Baldwin, which authorities are prosecuting as a bullying case involving three students.
So why this sudden switch for a popular principal who was practically hugged to death by adoring graduates at last Thursday’s commencement?
Confidentiality laws prevent board members from saying, according to Nancy, who happens to be a lawyer when she’s not answering to irate citizens at six-hour board meetings.
This video gives a flavor of the evening, including statements by Linda Murphy and Superintendent Thomas Ficarra and scenes of aggravation as closed-door negotiations left spectators in the dark, without supper, and ultimately, without answers.
Stay tuned for more.
It still seems weird to me that a community is congratulating her for a “promotion” to a job that did not exist and no one knows what it is.
Linda Murphy is and has been a role model to all young ladies of our community, most importantly, she’s a good Christian woman, who stands for righteousness and believes in GOD and certainly, trust him…that along, speaks for her. Let’s just say this “God does not make mistakes” the BEST yet to come. Stay focus my sister, God knows why this action toke place, been reassigned may be favorable in God’s sight, don’t forget your roots from which, your mother left you with nothing but admiration and love….keep in mind during this transition who your Pastor is…., one of best in the state of New Jersey, right here in Morristown and your committed, dedicated church family at Calvary will always be there to support the cause. With high regards and respect for you, continue to be encouraged and not discouraged. God Bless.
Linda Murphy is a woman of ability, grace and dignity. Her remarks reflect that. I am grateful for her leadership while my two sons attended Morristown High School and for her influence on my daughter as a teacher there.
That job sounds made up.
I have had the distinct pleasure of knowing Linda “Murph” Murphy when we attended MHS during the ’70’s. My daughter (Class of ’04) had the distinct pleasure of having her teach her Algebra (she passed – thanks to Murph!!). I became a member of the Morris School District in 1988 and was relocated to MHS after LLC closed. Murph was and IS the most caring, honest, energetic, humble, kind, sensitive person I have met. Although she did a spectacular job at MHS, I know she will give her all and perform yet another outstanding job at LLC. May God continue to bless and guide you, Murph. You are truly one of his angels. Always love u gurl…..Carter