After two weeks of controversy surrounding tainted soil at a Paramus school, many are surprised to hear the superintendent of schools is on an extended leave.

Paramus Mayor James Tedesco says he?s as perplexed as anyone over School Superintendent Janice Dime?s employment status with the district. The acting superintendent told News 12 New Jersey that Dime is on administrative leave with pay. The district has not given a reason.

Many parents have blamed Dime for the district?s failure to send out notification about contaminated soil at West Brook Elementary School. The district and Dime allegedly knew about the contamination since December 2006.

Last week, Tedesco made the decision to close the school while the EPA tested the soil and the building. The latest results showed pesticide contamination was well above federal limits. Students will finish out the school year at Bergen Community College.

Meanwhile, there are new concerns at the high school. There is an extensive renovation project underway and parents are worried about the removal of asbestos. Tedesco sent the town health department to the high school to investigate.

Tedesco plans to hold a public meeting at Town Hall on Friday, June 8.

Related Information:Tainted school soil worse than originally thought West Brook M.S. classes move amid soil scare Paramus school closed due to contaminated soil