Departures at Academy of Finance Worry Fort Lee School Parents

With two-thirds of the staff set to depart in just over a month, Fort Lee parents are expressing worry that the Academy of Finance (AOF) could be irreparably damaged. 

The school board on Monday night accepted the retirement of Linda Farrell and the resignation of Nadeg Stretz, both effective at the end of the 2012-2013 school year. They are two of the three teachers

"I'm feeling like this is an orphan that's going to get lost," said resident Paula Colbath. "I see it falling apart."

Interim Superintendent Sharon Amato said the district is not allowed to make official moves to fill the positions until it receives letters stipulating that staff are leaving. Those letters were only received within the last two weeks, officials said.

Parents criticized the district for not "keeping their ear to the ground," telling the board and administration they've known for months Farrell, who acts as the program director, was set to leave.

"Bottom line is we need someone and we need someone fast," said resident Howard Pearl, whose children have attended the business-focused program.

Amato and board members pledged to find the "best qualified" candidates, both from within the district and outside of it.

"These are very important positions," Amato said.