The time is here to start the new year off on the right foot. Viewing all the comments and what seems to be valid information, all indications promote the removal of the commander in chief. If there are so many meetings, either a case is being built or what would be more in line with the current BOE majority, planning the spin to make themselves look like the victims. If this satire is true with the history of the leader as blemished as it seems, all those who were involved in the hiring should step down, and the company that was used to head hunt this guy should be sued. If the "guy on the street" can google somebody and find out his whole life, why did the so called professionals find the dirt? I read somewhere that the company hired were ex-supers. Could there be a cult like the "Blue Shield" protecting their own? If the public can fill the hall when a coach is being questioned, we all should be there for this on the 20th. Your taxes have been wasted providing additional education for this lump so he can live his dream of being a conductor. Hd did not enter the district as a so called Doctor. We paid for that. Feel violated?

Excuse me. The line in the above comment should have read: why did the so called professionals NOT find the dirt?

Zoeller needs to go. The way he speaks to people he disagrees with is a true sign of his character. Our children deserve better. I want to know when someone is going to discuss Dr. Cerco, the Director of Special Education, who was just suspended due to sexual harassment charges. 1) Who are we hiring? 2) He has a bought doctorate from Florida while he worked in Hackensack 3) He has already been sent to anger management for the way he speaks with families. 4) It seems Zoeller keeps like minded people around. The more abusive the better. Why hasn't this story come out. Don't parents have the right to know who they are dealing with and who is responsible for their children?

"Many residents were still upset," after his apology? I think that's an understatement. I'd say the residents are FURIOUS, as they should be. It seems some people in the media, and many of those in Zoeller's camp, are trying to minimize his behavior, trying to make it all about one little generator. It's up to the residents of these two towns to not let this be minimized. It's not about a generator. It's about character, principle, and chronic misbehavior. The generator is just the tip of the iceberg, and it's up to the residents, especially the parents, to find out how deep this iceberg goes, and who else has been following Zoeller's lead during the time he's been super.

The Board has failed us in so many ways. A leopard does not change his spots. If they even knew some of the things in Zoeller's past, they cannot be forgiven for hiring and then backing this guy as he continued his assault of WWRSD since he was hired. The Board was elected by the citizens if Zoeller goes, so should they.

Clearly he is not on "vacation." Anyone who believes otherwise is being foolish.The general district update email that GZ usually sends to parents every month or so lauding the accomplishments of the district came out yesterday from Rory McCourt. So clearly Mr.McCourt is in an "acting" role during this so-called vacation. Frankly, I would be very happy to see the board promote Mr. McCourt. He is genuinely one of the good guys in the district who cares about the students and their education.

I ask the BOE to really think before this closed meeting.Think about what you expect from a Superintendent.Think about what you expect for you children and your grandchildren when they are in school.They do deserve the better then Zoller.
How would you feel hearing all these stories from them ?This is not only about a generator and a van anymore.So much more has come out of the closet.So much has been kept from the community .WHY ??Do you want to worry about any sexual or inproper behavior from him AGAIN? Our school is being laughed at which means the board is being laughed at.Ignoring the community and giving him another chance,and another chance to him..does not change who or what he is .It is time to cut him loose.Put the children first.I am sure some BOE members read these comments...

Certo wrote a book called voicemail received under a pen name. He has a website and the book is on Amazon. This is public information, so don't delete this! The story lineis is disgusting.

Paul Liddy, Roberta Hanlon, and Carol Mountain should wake up. These men were hired by this board. Former board members left because of the deals done behind closed doors. Changes need to be made and fast. Still wondering if Zoeller and the board are going to pay the citizens of both towns back for needlessly paying the new and old principals $8,000 extra for no reason. Why should the taxpayers foot a $16,000.00 bill? Or was that extra money just like the football field money was extra...
Citizens of Westwood and Washington Township, stand up and be heard. We are being played by these people!

I heard there is a public BOE meeting tonight also..

It was one thing before Sandy when residents of Westwood and Washington Township had only heard bits and pieces of rumors about the behavior of Zoeller and his cronies, and the blame for that behavior is squarely on him. But now that so much of this dirt has come to light, and the info is no longer just bits and pieces but has been proven, it's now on the residents of these two towns to get rid of these parasites. It's the whole "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me," theory. These people have now been exposed for the manipulators and criminals that they are, and it's now up to all the residents of these towns, and not just the parents of students, to act on this information. BOE members are elected to represent the community; do you really have faith in them anymore? The easiest thing to do would be to stick your head in the sand, and letting the BOE members do the same and wait for this whole mess to blow over. Getting out of the contract they signed with Zoeller this past summer will be difficult, but not impossible. But the BOE members are only going to do that if you, the residents, put some serious pressure on them. The whole state of NJ is watching your town to see how this mess will be handled.

Stand up for yourselves, your community, and your children and make us proud by getting rid of these bullies. Every school in NJ now has a zero-tolerance policy for the children when it comes to bullying; this also has to apply to administrators. Be the example you want your children to see, because believe you me, they are watching you.

Special Board of Education Meeting
12/13/2012

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The Westwood Regional Board of Education will hold a Special Meeting at 6 P.M. in the Hurley Theatre and immediately enter into closed Executive Session for the purpose of discussion of Personnel/Superintendent of Schools.

Article in the Record says no action has been taken. The board seems to be dragging this out in hopes the flames die down. Shannon, I applaud you for getting involved. I'm sure this is not easy for you. The media cannot say anything until the victims come forward. The list is long but it only takes one. There are non tenured teachers that were harassed, students that have graduated. I know of one young lady that graduated but her younger brother is still in the system. Not many people are willing to stick their necks out.

The victims need support from the other teachers and supervisors. If they feel safe from any backlashe they may come forward. McCourt could do wonders for his career if he was to offer protection for teachers,employees and students. Come on Rory, man up!

Cerco's pen name is Andrew Intesso.Voicemail Receved- Silence is Deafening is the title.

Sorry I forgot the board cannot vote in a private session. We'll have to wait until next week.

As an interested Alumnus that has been following the proceedings, I am personally not in favor of firing Dr. Zoeller. I could see his point of view of conflicting bylaws, as I had been a victim of a bylaws dispute myself a few years ago. Bylaws from my experience can be quite confusing at times.

What the board should really focus on is taking the necessary steps of closing the loopholes in the existing bylaws, and that Dr. Zoeller should have asked permission of the board on whether he could have borrowed school equipment or not. Given this, Dr. Zoeller should still be punished in my opinion by forfeiting 2 weeks of salary, and those monies would go to help the victims of Superstorm Sandy. Keep in mind, that Dr. Zoeller would be on a very short leash going forward.

Please also keep in mind that my opinion on this topic does not necessarily reflect the view of all alumni of the Westwood Regional School District, and that I am just a mere omniscient observer from afar. Thank you for your time, and thank you to the current board of education members that serve on the board.

Respectfully Submitted,

David A. Cole, WHS Class of 1980

David,
As you stated you are viewing this from afar.Sincehe has been in this position he has shown nothing but disdain and arrogance. He doesn't believe rules pertain to him,he's above that. He fired good teachers and successful coaches. He is a dictator with way too much power and a board that looks at him like the second coming. He has a history dating back to past postions. These will eventually come out and itwill another black eye to our district. Paying the former principal $8,000.00 because he didn't know the rules is an act of arrogance. He should repay the district for that blunder. Why should we, the taxpayers? Bottom line it's time for a change. It's obvious he is not the guy to take the district to the next level. Our real estate values are influenced by the district's ranking. We have taken a bath in recent years. With what we pay in school taxes we should be a top 20 school or better. Botton line he must go!

With all due apologies to the great Adam Sandler, who inspired me.

"ZOELLER SCREWED YA"

The generator, the hurricane.
Oh, the insult and the pain.
Westwood in the dark as
Zoeller stole it from ya.
But he will be a thing of the past
If the Board makes a decision that'll last.
And you'll stand up and shout,
"Hallelujah! Hallelujah!"
Zoeller screwed ya.
But we're through ya.
'Cause we're Wesssstttttt wwwooooooddddd!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS, Everybody! See you on the 20th.

asfawegw, what are you, some kind of shallow f----- material girl? Go find another blog, you dim wit!

"CERCO STUCK IT TO YA"

The scandal and innuendo
Porno by Andrew Intesso
Westwood in disbelief as Cerco stuck it to ya
But he got out of there pretty fast
A suspension that is sure to last
And you'll stand up and shout,
"Hallelujah! Hallelujah!"
Cerco stuck it to ya
But the ladies saw through ya
"Cause they're Wesssstttttt wwwooooooooddddd!

"WE'LL STICK IT TO YA"

C. Mountain, P. Liddy, and crew
On the 20th their decision is due
Westwood waiting for them to give it to ya
Let's hope they don't screw ya
But don't be the first to get there last
Come see what die will be cast
And be sure to stand up and shout,
"The wrong one and we'll stick it to ya!"
"Hallelujah! Hallelujah!"
We'll be sure to stick it to ya
'Cause we see through ya
We'll stick it to ya
Come election time!
Come election time!

Its great to see so much anger and energy about Zoeller and Cerco on this blog, but now what?? This energy has to be challenged into change and making things better. There are 2 people in "acting" roles replacing Zoe and Cer, they should know how you feel!! Yes, I will be attending the meeting, but I also want to let people know, this isnt one bad incident for each of them, Zoe and Cer have been aggressive, evil, angry, misguided bullies for years!! That needs to be heard!! Tell your story and add your voice to the chorus. Let's make our school system known for good, intelligence, friendliness.... not a terror reign!!

The cure for this disease is
1-All BOE meetings, work sessions and formal meetings, need to be voluntarily made open to the public. The Board should agree to having those sessions audiotaped,videotaped, and broadcast on community TV. (Come on people! There should be no hesitation from any board member on this.)Those unedited tapes should be kept at the local library, not the BOE office.
2-All public sessions should be VOLUNTARILY broadcast on community TV.All local towns do this, flip thru the channels, you'll see.
3-There is a very narrow definition of what is to be discussed privately. BOE members need to become familiar with this (I'm sure they already are) and honor it (which they currently don't). Then they must inform us when it can become public.
4-Stop having private retreats to discuss public business, it just looks bad!
5-Stop editing the minutes! Our minutes are heavily edited. Release them to the public in a timely fashion and keep them at the library, not the BOE office.
6-Use technology to keep the community informed and connected. Participation will become easier and more convenient for us all. (No matter what they say publicly about community involvement, 7 BOE members will fight this tooth and nail, they don't want anyone to know what goes on.)

7-Get new lawyers across the board, the ones we use appear to be giving some seriously poor advice. Consider going back to the large, NJ law firm that is well respected across the state, the one we used to use. Not the cronies Zoeller brought in.
8- Develop a community watchdog organization
9-Enlist the help of the many volunteer open government advocates in our state to work with us to help us enact these changes. It's for our own protection!!!

Lets work together to redeem the good name of our communities and the many good people who live here!

I forgot 10
10- If the Board continues to have retreats, everything listed above applies to their retreats. That is minutes available to public, videotaping, audiotaping, public disclosure, etc. , etc., etc.,