Dear Wharton Borough School Parents and Community Members

Over the past several weeks, many parents, staff members, and community residents have reached out to members of the Board of Education with questions regarding the current state of our school district and the recent developments, including a pending lawsuit. We understand there are concerns and believe our community deserves reassurance that the Board is committed to providing strong leadership, responsible governance, and maintaining a positive educational environment for our students and staff. 

The Board of Education's primary responsibility is to provide governance, oversight, and accountability for the district. While New Jersey law limits what can be publicly discussed regarding personnel and legal matters, we want our community to know that every decision made by the Board is guided by our responsibility to act in the best interests of our students, staff,and taxpayers. 

Throughout the past year, the Board became increasingly concerned about the overall climate within the district. We experienced an unusually high number of employee resignations and retirements, and we received numerous written concerns from staff regarding conditions within our schools. These concerns were taken seriously, reviewed through the appropriate channels, and addressed in accordance with our legal and governance responsibilities. The Board's role is to look after the best interest of the entire district, not the interests of one. 

There have also been questions regarding the Board’s role in district operations. It is important for our community to understand that the Board does not manage the day-to-day operation of the schools. However, the Board is responsible for oversight of district finances, policy, major personnel actions, and ensuring that significant decisions receive the appropriate Board review and approval when required. 

We also want to recognize the tremendous work performed every day by our teachers, administrators, support staff, and all district employees. The academic achievements, student successes, and positive initiatives highlighted throughout the year are the direct result of the dedication and professionalism of an entire team of educators and staff members who work tirelessly on behalf of our children. The presentations shared publicly over the past several months reflected the outstanding work taking place throughout our schools—a success made possible through the collective efforts of our faculty, support staff, administrators, and students. Their commitment deserves both recognition and appreciation. 

We recognize that periods of transition can create uncertainty. Please know that the Board remains focused on maintaining stability, supporting our staff, protecting the district’s financial health, and ensuring that every student continues to receive the high-quality education they deserve. 

We remain committed to conducting district business with integrity, transparency within the

limits of the law, and accountability to the residents we serve. Our focus moving forward is not on the past, but on rebuilding trust, strengthening communication, restoring accountability, ensuring sound financial stewardship, and creating a positive environment where students, staff, and families can thrive. While we cannot comment on pending litigation, please be assured that we will continue to act in the best interests of our students, staff and taxpayers. 

Thank you for your continued support of our schools and for your partnership in helping us provide the very best educational experience for every student in our district. 

Sincerely, 

Robin Ghebreal 

President, Wharton Board of Education