Parents demand answers over suspended Hackensack superintendent
HACKENSACK, N.J. (PIX11) — Dozens of frustrated parents attended a Hackensack Board of Education meeting Wednesday night, demanding answers about the abrupt suspension of Superintendent Dr. Thomas McBryde — a decision parents said was made without explanation.
During the meeting, the board confirmed that McBryde was suspended from the district last Thursday but said state law prevents them from disclosing specific details about the suspension.
McBryde has been the superintendent of Hackensack Public Schools since December 2023, according to his LinkedIn profile. Sources tell PIX11 News he’s only halfway through his contract, which is set to expire in 2027.
Some parents expressed concern about the stability of the district moving forward and the impact it will have on their children. Others said they were frustrated and concerned after being blindsided by the news.
“There’s no information,” said Albania Martinez-Bojo, a parent in the district. “There’s no letter to the public, no posting on the website. We don’t know what’s going on, so we are in the dark, and I just feel like we need a little more transparency.”
According to the school board, McBryde was informed that he was being placed on suspension — a decision that was supported unanimously by board members. Still, some parents said they want more clarity about the decision.
“Left and right the principal goes, the superintendent goes,” said Corrina, another parent in the district. “What’s going on? Why? Give us answers. I don’t understand.”
The board voted during the meeting to appoint Andrea Oates-Parchment as acting superintendent to serve in McBryde’s absence. She was previously an assistant superintendent with the school district.
The school board said it cannot comment further on this matter. Dr. McBryde has not returned our request for comment.