the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Twp. of Washington NJ, the Westwood Regional School Board has agreed to a $400,000 settlement with former superintendent Jill Mortimer, bringing closure to a contentious legal battle that began earlier this year. The dispute originated when Mortimer reversed her plan to retire, leading to a series of allegations and a lawsuit.
In a 5-1 vote during an emergency meeting on Thursday, the board approved the settlement, which includes $170,837 for the remainder of Mortimer’s contract and $229,162 to settle her lawsuit. The lawsuit, filed in June, accused the district and three current and former board members of creating a hostile work environment.
At the same meeting, Bronwen Calderón, the district’s director of secondary education, was appointed acting superintendent while a permanent replacement is sought. Calderón will receive a $5,000 monthly stipend during this transitional period.
Background of the Dispute
Mortimer, who became superintendent in 2021, had initially planned to retire at the end of the 2023 school year but later changed her mind, prompting the board to accuse her of seeking a $1 million buyout. Despite finding her potential replacement, Mortimer never officially resigned, leading to tensions between her and the board.
Her attorney, Armen McOmber, had hinted at possible legal action in April, accusing the board of harassment and unlawful discrimination. Mortimer was not present at Thursday’s meeting, and McOmber did not provide a comment following the settlement.
The Westwood Regional School District, which serves approximately 2,800 students across Westwood and Washington Township, has now entered a new phase as it begins the search for a full-time superintendent.
Details of the Settlement
Business Administrator Keith Rosado explained that the settlement avoided the need for Mortimer’s continued employment, which would have cost the district around $520,000 over the next two years. The board’s decision to settle was seen as a way to prevent further financial burden.
Board President Jay Garcia suggested the district may already have options to speed up the process of finding a permanent replacement. However, he refrained from providing specific details, stating that the board will offer more information “very soon.”
In the vote to approve the settlement, Garcia was joined by board members Loni Azzolina, Nicole Martin, Andrea Peck, and Jorge Pertuz, while Doug Cusato voted against the measure. Board members Laura Cooper and Kristen Pedersen, both named in Mortimer’s lawsuit, abstained or recused themselves. Heather Perin also abstained.
New Interim Leadership
In addition to Calderón’s appointment as acting superintendent, the board also approved a $2,000 monthly stipend for Denise Vélez, the district’s director of elementary education, who will assist in the transition. Both Calderón and Vélez were praised for stepping into leadership roles during this challenging time.
“We are really excited about what they bring to the table,” said board member Pedersen, while Peck expressed gratitude for their willingness to guide the district during this transition. Garcia added that he was excited to see their “long-lasting presence” in the district.
Allegations of Hostile Work Environment
Mortimer’s lawsuit accused the district and key board members, including former president Michael Pontillo, of creating a hostile work environment due to her disabilities. The suit alleges that after Mortimer underwent spinal fusion surgery in April 2023, the board pressured her to return to work prematurely, against her doctor’s advice, and subjected her to discriminatory treatment.
According to the suit, Mortimer was accused of poor performance after her return from medical leave, an accusation she described as “baseless.” Additionally, board member Laura Cooper allegedly trapped Mortimer in her office and screamed at her, which triggered her Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
The lawsuit also stated that Pedersen had sent emails to staff members, referencing Mortimer’s PTSD and labeling her behavior as “psychotic.”
The Westwood Regional School District, which serves about 2,800 students, will now move forward under Calderón’s leadership as it begins the search for a permanent superintendent.
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All bullshit! Lower school taxes!