Judge Orders Jeff Simon Removed as Manalapan HS Principal

In-Depth: Breakdown of Judge's Ruling Ordering Removal of Manalapan HS Principal

An administrative law judge ordered Manalapan High School Principal Jeff Simon removed from his position.

Judge Donald J. Stein's initial decision, which was filed on Tuesday, Jan. 22, upheld many of the tenure charges Freehold Regional High School District made against Simon in February 2012.

The tenure charges brought against Simon alleged that he violated district polices, regulations, and procedures which endangered students and employees, or related to the mishandling of student activity funds.

The judges decision has been filed with New Jersey Department of Education Commissioner Christopher Cerf. Cerf can adopt, modify or reject this decision. If the commissioner does nothing within 45 days, the Office of Administrative Law judge decision is upheld.

‪"Based on the record, I find and conclude that the respondent if left in this position would continue to ignore policy and do what he wanted,”‬ the decision read. 

Of the three charges filed against Simon, one was dismissed. Four of the five counts within the first charge were sustained, while one was dismissed and five of the seven counts within the second charge were sustained and two were dismissed. 

The Freehold Regional High School District was represented by Nichols Celso, III of Schwartz, Simon, Edelstein, and Celso LLC; Simon was represented by Stuart J. Moskovitz, Esq.