Schools

Wyckoff Assistant Principal Giordano To Resign, 'Shift Careers'

Eisenhower Middle School Assistant Principal Christopher Giordano was one of two administrators suspended in January amid an investigation.

WYCKOFF, NJ — Eisenhower Middle School Assistant Principal Christopher Giordano will resign at a Monday Board of Education meeting.

Giordano was one of two administrators suspended with pay in early 2021 as the school investigated reports of a "sexting incident" that happened in October 2020. Both Principal Christopher Iasiello and Giordano were suspended with little explanation from the district, but only Giordano was reinstated in March. Read more: Wyckoff Parents Seek Answers In Sudden Departure Of Principals

His resignation is effective June 30, according to Monday's meeting agenda.

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"We appreciate Mr. Giordano's service to the district. He is shifting careers and going to work for an educational technology company which is something he has long been passionate about. We wish him the best in his new endeavor," said Superintendent Kerry Postma.

Iasiello filed a petition of appeal in April hoping to end his suspension, while in the process revealing more about the circumstances that surrounded it. Read more: Suspended Wyckoff Middle School Principal Seeks Reinstatement

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According to the petition, Iasiello said the alleged sexting event involved his daughter, a "special needs student" at Eisenhower Middle School.

On October 16, Iasiello's daughter was the victim of "sexually predatory behavior by several male students who pressured her to 'flash' her breast and, without her consent, video recorded the incident." That video was then circulated on at least one social media site, according to the petition.

Iasiello learned about the video around Oct. 19, and the district opened four Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (HIB) investigations. Because it involved his daughter, Iasiello recused himself from the investigation, the petition said.

Giordano was informed that Iasiello planned to recuse himself, and, according to the petition, said he would take the lead on it.

Iasiello's attorney also filed a notice of tort claim with the district on March 17, which includes "issues of money damages," according to the petition.

The claim alleges that Iasiello's suspension is a "retaliatory measure" for criticisms he made against the superintendent, including COVID-19 reopening strategies.

It also alleges that Postma "engaged in a repeated and targeted campaign of sexual harassment" against Iasiello, and shared confidential employment information with parents in the district.

But Iasiello is also being investigated for his handling of a middle school teacher who committed alleged "acts of misconduct" during the 2019-2020 school year. The district said Isaiello's reinstatement would have a "chilling effect" on that ongoing investigation, Northjersey.com reports.

Wyckoff Public Schools did not immediately return a request for comment.

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