This Day in History: 1954-06-14

In another move in their continuing efforts to get rid of Superintendent of Schools Roy S. Austin, the Board of Education barred him from attending graduation exercises. Austin had taken his accustomed place at the table at the regular meeting. The Board voted 5-4 to forbid him to participate in the meeting. He sat with the spectators while a letter from him to the Board was read. On advice of Counsel, the letter stated, he would continue to report for work for the remainder of the school year. A representative of the NJEA reminded the Board that a report from the Superintendent was due at the end of the year. The Board would have to consider carefully who was to sign it and also who would sign the graduation diplomas. The Board asked Mr. Lamberti to take on these duties. He politely declined, saying the duty belonged to Mr. Austin. The Board voted, again 5-4 to give him these duties. By a similar vote they reappointed John Warhol Jr. as the Board’s attorney. Mr. Tibbals was asked to communicate with Warhol about what to do about the report and the diplomas. (Bristow)