Posted on 06/29/2006 9:25:53 PM PDT by Coleus
Teaneck High School's embattled principal, who was arrested last week on child sex charges for the second time in four years, has resigned, school officials said Wednesday. Joe White, 60, submitted his retirement papers Tuesday, said Schools Superintendent John Czeterko. White was arrested Friday for allegedly having sexually explicit conversations with a student in his office, authorities said.
Bergen County Prosecutor John Molinelli said White's resignation would not affect the criminal case, which investigators plan to present to a grand jury. White is charged with official misconduct and endangering the welfare of a child. The popular educator was arrested following an investigation by Teaneck police and the Prosecutor's Office. White was acquitted in 2003 of charges that he molested a 17-year-old whom White and his wife had taken into their home.
The student in the current case is 18, but he told authorities that he was 17 when some of the alleged conversations took place earlier this year, authorities said. The student tape-recorded at least two conversations with White last week, authorities said. On the tapes, White allegedly asked the student whether he enjoyed certain sex acts and graphically described at least one act, Police Chief Paul Tiernan said.
White also allegedly asked the boy to expose himself, Molinelli said last week. Tiernan said that White told investigators the voice on the tape was his, but did not admit doing anything illegal. The school board accepted White's resignation at its meeting Wednesday.
"While we're saddened by the turn of events, we think that this is probably best for Joe and the district at this point in time," Czeterko said. White is free on $50,000 bail. Reached at home, he referred questions to his lawyer. The lawyer, William D. Ware, said White's decision to retire had nothing to do with the criminal case against him. "He was going to retire anyway," Ware said. "What he decides to do career-wise has nothing to do with the case, and has no bearing on the case."
A school official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said White spoke of retiring in 2007 but gave no indication that he planned to retire this year. Ware said he and his law partners plan to vigorously defend White. He noted that a jury found White not guilty when he was accused of similar charges. "There are always two sides to every story," he said, adding that he has not listened to the tapes.
The student, who graduated last week, contacted a teacher two weeks ago after having conversations with White that turned sexual, school officials said. The teacher contacted an associate principal, who told district officials. The district reported the matter to police. Prosecutor's officers and Teaneck police built the case against White by convincing the student to wear a recording device.
White has worked in education for 38 years, the past 17 in Teaneck. He made $131,700 this year and is eligible for an $89,000 annual pension, according to an estimate calculated using the state Treasury Department's pension formula. He also will receive a total of $55,000 for unused sick, personal and vacation days.
White's pension could be in jeopardy if he is found guilty or pleads guilty to the charges. The state pension board, which reviews pension applications, has the power to slash or revoke the annual payouts. "As a general proposition pensions are awarded for honorable service," said Mark Perkiss, a spokesman for the state Treasury Department. "If there's a question [about honorable service], then the board makes a determination of what if any action to take."
The school district is not paying for White's defense against the criminal charges, Czeterko said. White's latest arrest stunned the school community, which had rallied to his defense after he was indicted on charges that he molested a 17-year-old in 2002. White and his wife had taken in the youth, who said that White fondled his buttocks and genitals one morning while waking him up for school. White said he shook the boy but denied fondling him.
Hundreds of supporters attended the nine-day trial that ended in White's acquittal. "I was very surprised and very saddened" upon hearing that White was arrested again, said Rhona Herman, one of White's supporters four years ago. Herman said she did not know enough to comment on the current case but that she still believed White was innocent four years ago.
"I still think that he was vindicated then," Herman said. White has been known among residents as a dedicated educator who holds all students to high expectations and never gives up on a student's potential to succeed. Parents have praised his accessibility and responsiveness to their concerns. In an interview with The Record in 1997, White discussed his philosophy as an administrator: "I want a climate where everyone is valued," White said. "That goes for educators, parents, and students. Especially students. All students. Not just the ones at the top of the class."
School board President Judith McKay said most parents she has spoken with are stunned by the allegations. "It's an incredibly sad day for the Teaneck public schools," McKay said. "This is an exceptionally difficult time for everyone involved. "To accept someone's resignation who's done so much for the school district under these circumstances is very difficult," Mc Kay said. "This is heartbreaking." A search for a new principal will begin shortly, Czeterko said. Associate Principal Angela Davis will serve as acting principal until White's successor is named. White began his tenure as Teaneck High principal in 1997. Previously, he was principal of Thomas Jefferson Middle School and an assistant principal at the high school. He came to Teaneck from Bloomfield in 1989.
"Joe White, 60, submitted his retirement papers"
"OK, I'll resign. Just pay me my $100,000/ year retirement pay. I'll have plenty of time to look for more kids to molest."
"While we're saddened by the turn of events, we think that this is probably best for Joe and the district at this point in time,"
Saddened? Where is the outrage?
Just saw this.
I attended this HS in the mid-late 50’s and at that time it was considered to be in the top 10 HS academically in the country.
These days there is a permanent police presence at the school and extreme racial tensions.
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