Andrew Martins, Managing Editor
Officials within the Hillsborough Township Public School District are keeping mum on the decision to place long-time Hillsborough High School Athletic Director Mike Fanizzi on administrative leave.
According to a member of the Hillsborough Township Board of Education who wished to remain anonymous, Fanizzi was placed on administrative leave late last month, though that person claimed unawareness as to why the action was taken in the first place.
The board member speculated that the move would be brought up at the next meeting on December 11 and most likely would have been brought to light sooner, had the November 27 meeting not been canceled due to a lack of quorum.
Fanizzi was hired to replace Rocky Forte, who retired after 26 years at HHS, back in 2003. Prior to joining as the high school’s athletic director, he was the athletic director at Belvidere High School.
When reached for comment, district officials declined to weigh in on the decision, stating that they “will not comment on personnel matters.”
Contrary to posts on social media, Fanizzi has not been taken into police custody for allegedly embezzling thousands of dollars. According to both the Hillsborough Township Police Department and the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office, neither agency has arrested the athletic director.
