Zoeller on Vacation, Denies 'Forced Leave' Rumors

Westwood Regional Schools Superintendent Geoffrey Zoeller confirmed that he was "taking some vacation time," but told Patch via email that it was untrue he had been forced to take a leave by the Board of Education.

Rumors circulated this week that Zoeller had been forced to take a leave of absence pending a review by the Board of Education after he took home a district-owned generator and truck for Hurricane Sandy, and left them there while away on vacation in Florida

Board President Carol Mountain did not return calls for comment this week. She previously told Patch she could not discuss any personnel issues.

Zoeller was reportedly in the board's offices at Westwood Regional High School Friday, the day after he apologized for taking the equipment. The board held closed session meetings before and after their public meeting Thursday to discuss Zoeller.

He was apparently out Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday this week. Schools were scheduled to be closed Thursday and Friday for Thanksgiving. Zoeller did not specify how long he planned to be out.

During the Board of Education meeting last week, Westwood Education Association President Barry Albert said the union had taken a 222-19 vote of "no confidence" in Zoeller's ability to run the district with integrity.

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