Marlboro School District's Legal Bills Climbing

The ethics complaint filed by former Marlboro school board member, Mr. Craig Marshall, against Marlboro schools superintendent Mr. Eric Hibbs, has so far cost the school district $13,312.11 in legal fees.

In response to an OPRA request submitted by the Monmouth Watchdog, Ms. Cynthia Barr-Rague, the longtime business administrator for the district, has produced legal bills ranging from March 18, 2019 to September 18, 2019, showing the amount of $13, 312.11 owed to attorney, Mr. David Rubin, of Metuchen, who is defending Mr. Hibbs.

Ms. Rague, whose salary is reported to be $178,923, is retiring on December 31.

Mr. Marshall alleges a quid pro quo relationship was established when the district hired retired Hazlet school superintendent, Dr. Barnard Bragen, to 'mentor' an inexperienced Marlboro employee in exchange for a consulting relationship between Hibbs' company, AME, and the Hazlet school district.

Another controversy that needs to be resolved is who actually hired Mr. Bragen. The respondent, Dr. Hibbs, claims it was the outgoing business administrator, while the complainant, Mr. Marshall, alleges it was the respondent--Dr. Hibbs. Those facts will be borne out at a future hearing.

Dr Bragen was recently hired by the Edison School District with a contract ranging from December 9, 2019 to June 30, 2023, at a salary of $245,000.00 with 2% annual increases.

The ethics matter before the state office of administrative law, has been given a docket number and is awaiting a scheduled hearing.

Any decision rendered by an administrative judge in this matter and referred to the New Jersey Commissioner of Education, can either be accepted, rejected, or modified.

---Monmouthwatchdog@gmail.com