After dui crash, superintendent at ocean county school district takes leave of absence — Crime scene investigation - File Photo.

STAFFORD TOWNSHIP, N.J. — Superintendent George J. Chidiac of the Stafford Township School District has taken a temporary leave of absence following his recent arrest on DUI and related charges, according to an announcement made Monday by school board President Tammy Wagner.

Chidiac, who oversees the district of 2,500 students in preschool through sixth grade and earns $203,940 annually, did not attend the Board of Education meeting at the Stafford Township Arts Center. The meeting agenda, which initially included plans to hold a public hearing and amend his contract, was adjusted to remove that item, Wagner confirmed.

The leave of absence follows Chidiac’s Oct. 27 arrest in Berkeley Township, where police say he crashed into a utility pole after leaving a local bar. According to a Berkeley Township Police report, Chidiac was charged with driving under the influence, reckless driving, and careless driving. He is scheduled to appear in Berkeley Township Municipal Court on Dec. 16, court records show.

In his absence, the school board appointed Stephanie Bush, the district’s director of curriculum and instruction, as acting superintendent. No further details about Chidiac’s leave were provided during the meeting.

Several community members at Monday’s meeting called for Chidiac to be removed from his position.

Chidiac’s legal troubles come as the district faces mounting public scrutiny over the incident.

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