Gallon Reaffirms Commitment

Dr. Steve Gallon III wrote Plaintalker to say he remains "extremely excited" about taking the reins as superintendent on July 1 and that he is confident contract issues will be resolved.

Gallon was hired Feb. 19 with a four-year contract. Following the recent probe of a Keansburg superintendent's retirement package, state officials took a closer look at other Abbott district contracts and determined that Gallon's contract had not received a required review by Union County Executive Superintendent Carmen Centuolo.

Gallon said he was looking forward to making Plainfield his new home and that his "enthusiasm, optimism and focus toward the critical work of educating the children in Plainfield remain intact."

"As for the issues pertaining to my contract, legal representation on my behalf and that of the Board, negotiated in good faith and in full and total deference to the intent and spirit of the A-5 legislation, all applicable laws, and the interest of the students and citizens of Plainfield. As for any issues that arose from a review of my contractual terms, I am confident that the Board and I, through our attorneys, will ensure full compliance with state statute and applicable laws," he said.

Even before he was hired, Gallon had been reading the Plaintalker to get to know Plainfield, he said on Feb. 19. While blogs have no particular standing, it's nice to be regarded as a helpful resource.

The school board's June schedule includes a 6:30 p.m. Policy Committee meeting on June 3 and an executive session at 6:30 p.m. June 10, followed by an 8 p.m. work and study meeting, all in the Plainfield High School conference room. On June 17, there will be a 6:30 p.m. executive session in the conference room, followed by a 7 p.m. business meeting in the high school library.

--Bernice Paglia