Teaneck Superintendent Andre Spencer accepted a new superintendent job in Willingboro before publicly disclosing his departure, leaving the district facing the loss of both its top administrators at the same time.
TEANECK — The Teaneck Public School District is preparing for a major leadership shakeup after Superintendent Andre Spencer abruptly announced his departure for a new position in Willingboro, a move that critics say left the Board of Education and community in the dark until after he had already accepted the job.
The resignation was first reported by journalist Keith Kaplan of the popular local news website, Teaneck Today.
The resignation comes as Assistant Superintendent Dr. Scott is also scheduled to leave the district at the end of June, creating the prospect of Teaneck entering the new fiscal year without either of its top two administrators in place.
Kaplan, who is also suing the district over journalistic First Amendment claims, said this sudden departure leaves the district without a firm leadership plan.
“The former superintendent left, the HR Director is new,” Kaplan said. “Now, he’s trying to get the board to allow him to make appointments before his last day in July.”
Kaplan questioned the ethics behind the move that could put Scott in charge of hiring his own replacement. It could also possibly fill the Teaneck district with political appointments made by Scott.
Superintendent accepted new job before informing district
Questions surrounding Spencer’s departure intensified after the Teaneck Today report surfaced, reporting that he delivered an acceptance speech in Willingboro before formally notifying the Teaneck Board of Education and the community of his plans to leave.
The timing has drawn criticism from the local watchdog, who notes that just days earlier, on June 4, the Teaneck Board of Education held Spencer’s annual performance review with no public indication that he was preparing to leave the district.
Scott allegedly did not disclose that information during the evaluation process. Board members were caught off-guard when they learned about Scott’s departure, while watching a speech he gave at the Willingboro Board of Education meeting.
Departure echoes earlier resignation controversy
The abrupt exit is reminiscent of a previous chapter in Spencer’s career. Like the movie “Runaway Bride,” Spencer is now known as a runaway superintendent.
In 2018, while serving as superintendent of Colorado’s Harrison School District 2, Spencer resigned less than three weeks before high school graduation ceremonies. According to reports at the time, the resignation was accepted following a brief executive session, leaving district officials scrambling to manage the transition.
District losing both top administrators
Compounding concerns is the pending departure of Assistant Superintendent Dr. Scott, who has accepted a leadership position in Texas.
District communications indicate Scott’s resignation becomes effective June 30, leaving both top executive leadership positions vacant as Teaneck enters one of the busiest periods of the year for school operations.
Summer months are typically when districts finalize budgets, staffing decisions, curriculum planning, transportation contracts, and preparations for the upcoming school year.
Questions remain about district leadership
Residents and school stakeholders are now seeking answers about who will oversee district operations beginning July 1 and what plans are in place to appoint interim leadership.
Questions have also been raised regarding the timeline for hiring permanent replacements and whether the Board of Education was informed about Spencer’s negotiations with Willingboro before his public acceptance of the position.
With both leadership positions set to become vacant simultaneously, the district faces a significant administrative challenge heading into the 2026-27 school year.
Key Points
• Superintendent Andre Spencer is leaving Teaneck for a superintendent position in Willingboro
• Critics say Spencer accepted the new job before publicly disclosing his departure to Teaneck stakeholders
• Assistant Superintendent Dr. Scott is also leaving June 30, creating a leadership vacuum at the district’s highest levels