Protect Barnegat Students: Initiate Termination Proceedings for Daniel Gundersen

The Issue

We, the undersigned parents, families, and community members of the Barnegat Township School District, implore the Board of Education to immediately initiate legal procedures for the termination for cause of Daniel Gundersen.

Our demand is based on the following critical concerns:

Loss of Confidence: The overwhelming sentiment expressed at the special meeting on April 9th demonstrated a profound and irreparable loss of confidence in Mr. Gundersen's leadership. The numerous public speeches delivered at this meeting were a powerful testament to the deep-seated concerns regarding his conduct and its detrimental impact on our children's well-being and educational experience.
Harm to Students: We believe his negligence of best practices and apparent ignorance of relevant laws has harmed the children of this district, particularly those with special needs.
Prioritizing Staff Over Students: Credible accounts suggest a pattern of prioritizing the protection of staff over the well-being of students.
Retaliation Against Concerned Staff: Allegations of retaliation against staff who speak out create a climate of fear and hinder ethical practice.
Misplaced Priorities: We believe Mr. Gundersen values his authority over the principles of equity, access, inclusion, and individualization. This misplaced priority has created significant barriers and has negatively impacted the educational opportunities and well-being of our children.
Unsuitability for Any Administrative Role: The community perceives him negatively and believes he is unsuitable for any administrative position within the district.
Concerns Regarding Demotion: The recommendation of demotion over termination, especially given the harm to vulnerable students, is deeply concerning and unacceptable. The superintendent and/or Board must put aside any personal feelings for Mr. Gundersen and prioritize the best interests of the district and, most importantly, its students. This move is unclear in its implications and leaves critical questions unanswered, particularly regarding the extent to which he will continue to have access to and influence over the special education department and its students, or any student in general.
Risk of Continued Harm: Allowing Mr. Gundersen to remain in any role will continue to cause harm and further erode trust in the district's leadership.

We urge the Board of Education to take immediate and decisive action by initiating termination for cause proceedings against Daniel Gundersen to restore the trust of the community and ensure a safe and supportive learning environment for all students.

https://patch.com/new-jersey/barnegat-manahawkin/amp/32345412/5-fired-after-autistic-girl-allegedly-bound-with-tape-in-barnegat?fbclid=IwY2xjawJoKtRleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHh97Okne79OfSRMTPk_nJoT1BP_XerIzzremHJD6FHPBYhy7UVvMm3zrby2G_aem_lLKU019QGcTpOHy0peCRjQ

https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/nj-special-needs-student-tied-up-teacher-fired-autism/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR7c6jOygTSG8W_Egh6LQ0z3UaX3JoydPlVb0wULeJxRQ98DdjtafOVI5Eflhw_aem_tCV6_HaJ3b7zd0fiGqDVqA

https://youtu.be/xUoxLOCiIm0?si=vWKdYmBT1fqyUJkN

Jill SidotePetition Starter

Media inquiries

532 The Issue

Our demand is based on the following critical concerns:

Loss of Confidence: The overwhelming sentiment expressed at the special meeting on April 9th demonstrated a profound and irreparable loss of confidence in Mr. Gundersen's leadership. The numerous public speeches delivered at this meeting were a powerful testament to the deep-seated concerns regarding his conduct and its detrimental impact on our children's well-being and educational experience.
Harm to Students: We believe his negligence of best practices and apparent ignorance of relevant laws has harmed the children of this district, particularly those with special needs.
Prioritizing Staff Over Students: Credible accounts suggest a pattern of prioritizing the protection of staff over the well-being of students.
Retaliation Against Concerned Staff: Allegations of retaliation against staff who speak out create a climate of fear and hinder ethical practice.
Misplaced Priorities: We believe Mr. Gundersen values his authority over the principles of equity, access, inclusion, and individualization. This misplaced priority has created significant barriers and has negatively impacted the educational opportunities and well-being of our children.
Unsuitability for Any Administrative Role: The community perceives him negatively and believes he is unsuitable for any administrative position within the district.
Concerns Regarding Demotion: The recommendation of demotion over termination, especially given the harm to vulnerable students, is deeply concerning and unacceptable. The superintendent and/or Board must put aside any personal feelings for Mr. Gundersen and prioritize the best interests of the district and, most importantly, its students. This move is unclear in its implications and leaves critical questions unanswered, particularly regarding the extent to which he will continue to have access to and influence over the special education department and its students, or any student in general.
Risk of Continued Harm: Allowing Mr. Gundersen to remain in any role will continue to cause harm and further erode trust in the district's leadership.