Interim Band Director Stepping in for Suspended Teacher

With no word yet from the administration on if or when high school band director Larry Markiewicz will return following his suspension, students are still asking for a quick resolution.

“I respectfully request that the board please expedite the process with the consideration of Larry Markiewicz,” said Bridgewater-Raritan High School senior Megan DeMichele, who is the drum major for the marching band. “It’s been 55 days. We would really appreciate having him back in the classroom for the final few weeks.”

Markiewicz was suspended with pay in early March, pending review by the superintendent and administration.

At the very least, the band is about to get some continuity with the board of education’s approval Tuesday of interim teachers for the band.

The first is the hiring of James Crowley as interim marching band director, with $8,819 pro-rated, as of April 24.

Crowley has worked with the band and Markiewicz for many years, and already knows many of the students.

The board also approved the hiring of Monica Cullen as interim high school music teacher, for $223 per day from May 6 through June 20.

Cullen was previously a student teacher for the band.

The district has declined to comment on Markiewicz’s status, citing privacy of personnel issues.