Prospect Park School Scandal: Superintendent Ousted via Text Message—Is It Legal?
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Prosepect Park NJ, A high-stakes legal battle is erupting in the Prospect Park School District. After weeks of public clashing, Superintendent Hector Montes has been placed on administrative leave—not through a formal board vote, but via a text message from the board attorney.
Now, the state’s top legal authorities are being called in to determine if the Board of Education broke the law to silence its schools chief.
The Text Message Heard ‘Round the County
According to a complaint filed with the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General on March 25, 2026, the drama peaked following a heated board meeting. Montes’ attorney, Maria Lepore, alleges that Board Attorney Albert Buglione sent a text notifying Montes he was on paid leave and barred from district property.
The legal snag? Lepore argues the board breached the New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act (Sunshine Law) by authorizing this punishment “outside of the public purview.” Under NJ law, major personnel actions typically require a public vote by the full membership of the board.
A District in Turmoil: “Four Superintendents in Four Years”
The fallout was immediate and visible:
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Digital Erasure: Montes’ email access was revoked, and his name was scrubbed from the district website, replaced by Acting Superintendent Catherine D’Arrigo.
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Teacher Anxiety: The Teachers Association of Prospect Park expressed “fear for their jobs” and concerns over “fiscal mismanagement of funds.”
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Political Overreach Claims: Before his ouster, Montes publicly slammed the board, alleging the Mayor and municipal leaders were “infiltrating” the school system. He warned the district was “one hair away” from a state takeover.
The Legal Precedent: The Perth Amboy Case
This isn’t the first time an NJ school board has tried to sidestep a public vote. The complaint cites a 2012 Perth Amboy case where a superintendent was reinstated by the State Education Commissioner specifically because the board failed to secure a majority vote before placing her on leave.
If the Attorney General finds the Prospect Park Board followed the same flawed path, Montes could be headed for an immediate reinstatement.
What’s Next?
The Board of Education has called an emergency online special meeting for Friday, March 27, at 6 p.m. to discuss “personnel matters.” Residents and staff are expected to log on in record numbers to seek clarity on the district’s leadership and financial stability.
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Tags: #ProspectPark #NJEd #SchoolBoard #LegalNews #PassaicCounty #NewJersey #EducationScanda
