Politics & Government
Hibbs Ethics Charges Forwarded To Office of Administrative Law
School Ethics Commission finds probable cause to investigate ethics charges filed by former Board of Education member
The School Ethics Commission on October 21, 2019, found probable cause to investigate and hear an ethics complaint filed against Marlboro school's superintendent, Mr. Eric Hibbs. The charges were filed by former Board of Education member, and former mayoral contender, Mr. Craig Marshall.
Mr. Marshall filed the complaint on March 4, 2019, alleging 4 counts of ethics charges pertaining to allegations of prohibited acts constituting conflicts of interest.
Ethics charges are intended to ensure that the conduct of school officials holds the respect and confidence of the people.
Most counts against Mr. Hibbs have been dismissed by the Commission; however, one count (see above) alleging two charges of prohibited practices was found to have "probable cause," meaning the complaint, alleging Ethics Charges 18A:12-24(b) and 18A:12-24(c) will now be forwarded to the Office of Administrative Law (OAL) for a hearing.
A finding of "probable cause," is not a determination of guilt, but rather, an initial review whereupon the Commission makes a preliminary determination as to whether the matter should proceed to an adjudication on the merits, or whether no further review is warranted.