file photo
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Westwood NJ, a former music instructor who taught in both the Westwood Regional School District and Morris Hills Regional School District has permanently surrendered his teaching credentials following convictions for sexual misconduct with students.
Kurt Zimmermann, once a respected band director, was arrested twice in early 2024 — first in Bergen County while working in Westwood, and again weeks later in Morris County regarding allegations from his time in Rockaway at Morris Hills High School.
➤ Legal Outcome
Zimmermann entered a guilty plea on Nov. 15, 2024, to the following charges:
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Sexual assault by a supervisor
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Two counts of endangering the welfare of a child through sexual conduct
He was sentenced on May 30, 2025, to four years in state prison by Judge James Sattely.
As part of his plea deal, Zimmermann agreed to relinquish his New Jersey teaching licenses, including:
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Teacher of Music (issued 1991)
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Principal Certificate of Eligibility (issued 2020)
The State Board of Examiners officially accepted his voluntary license surrender in June.
➤ Disturbing Details Emerge
Prosecutors say Zimmermann engaged in sexually exploitative relationships with at least two students while serving as their teacher:
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One victim reported a “prolonged grooming process” beginning in sixth grade, which escalated into a sexual relationship by her junior year of high school and continued into her college years.
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The victim told investigators she would spend nights at Zimmermann’s home, sharing his bed with her mother’s knowledge, and even traveled with him domestically and abroad.
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The relationship allegedly ended only after she discovered Zimmermann was involved with another student.
➤ What This Means Moving Forward
Zimmermann is currently serving his prison sentence and will no longer be permitted to teach in New Jersey public schools.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about educator misconduct and underscores the importance of reporting, transparency, and safeguarding students.
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