I have been a loyal employee of the Freehold Borough School District since 1992, working with many dedicated, caring, honorable and professional staff members. My husband taught at the Freehold Intermediate School for nearly 35 years. Between us, we have over 50 years of service to the Freehold Borough School District.
In February of this year, all employees of the district received an e-mail requesting that if we had plans of retiring in June, a letter of retirement was required by Feb. 22, 2008. Because of that e-mail, I sent in my letter sooner than I would have liked to. I was just following the rules.
In the meanwhile, things have changed dramatically. With the economy and the housing market being what they are, I made a request to Freehold Borough Superintendent of Schools Elizabeth O’Connell to rescind my letter of retirement.
She declined to do so, without ever presenting this request to the Freehold Borough Board of Education for their vote. The reason – the board attorney did not want an employee of 17 years to work one more year.
"And you want to work for the Board of Education."
The state Division of Pensions has not yet approved my retirement nor has my position as clerical assistant at the Freehold Learning Center been filled. I do not understand why she could not rescind my letter of retirement.
I am writing this letter because as a resident and taxpayer of this town for more than 20 years, I am appalled at the way the administration of this school district has turned their back on an employee who has always been there to stand up for her community and her school district.
What has become of respect, compassion and gratitude toward our fellow man in this society? Has it all now just become political nepotism and the almighty dollar bill? I ask you, is this kind of administration you would be proud of dedicating 50 years of service to?
"And you want to work for the Board of Education."
Deborah E. Speer
Freehold Borough