NJ school official charged with drunk crash takes leave

🔴 Superintendent charged with DWI

🔴 He was unable to speak in complete sentences, police reportedly said

🔴 The board has canceled contract negotiations

STAFFORD — A New Jersey school superintendent is taking a leave of absence after being accused of drinking and driving.

George J. Chidiac was charged with driving under the influence, reckless driving, and careless driving after the Oct. 27 crash in Berkeley, the Asbury Park Press reported.

Chidiac makes over $200,000 a year as superintendent of the Stafford Township School District.

Last week, the school board said it accepted Chidiac's request for leave. Stephanie Bush, the district's director of curriculum, has been elevated to acting superintendent.

Stafford's five schools serve 2,480 students in Pre-K through sixth grade, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

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Details of crash in police report

According to a police report obtained by the Asbury Park Press, Chidiac hit a utility pole driving home from the Stone Fire Grille in Beachwood.

The crash reportedly happened around midnight less than a mile from his home.

Police said they found Chidiac's vehicle abandoned near Chelsea Drive and Mill Creek Road. He was reportedly seen walking near Mill Creek Park.

Chidiac said to investigators that he had gone to get help; however, he couldn't answer questions in complete sentences and failed a sobriety test, police reportedly said.

The APP's report came just days before the Stafford school board was set to vote on whether to amend Chidiac's contract.

His contract negotiation has been canceled without rescheduling, the school board said.

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