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NJ Community Comes Forward To Support Principal Put On Leave Without Explanation

By Trang Do

MAYS LANDING, NJ. (CBS) -- A cross-section of students, parents and teachers came out to Oakcrest High School in Mays Landing, NJ, Monday night to show their support to principal Joseph Carruth.

"This really touches our heart to see that the students and the staff and the parents, just all around the community has come out in support of my husband," said Danielle Carruth, Joseph's wife. "He's a fabulous principal."

The Greater Egg Harbor Regional School District placed Carruth on administrative leave on May 4th, without explanation.

"He wanted to be here, but if he came, he could have been charged with insubordination," Danielle Carruth said.

Around 75 parents and students attended a regularly scheduled board of education meeting to demand answers, but they got none. Superintendent John J. Keenan declined CBS3's request for an interview.

"We know that he's a principal that cares for our students, so we don't understand why he was let go?" asked Robin Hopkins, whose son attends Oakcrest. "Why is he on leave?"

"I feel like we should have some knowledge as to why he's not here anymore," said Oakcrest freshman Mahasin Davis.

Student and community members described Carruth as a dedicated and involved administrator.

"He always made sure to come to everything that the kids went to," said freshman Alisia Harrigan. "If a kid was failing, he made sure he put forth for the kid to make them make their grades come first."

Carruth's wife said he's heartbroken.

"Sometimes when you stand up for what is right, you stand alone," she said. "It's nice to see tonight that he's not alone."

The board went into an executive session for about an hour after the public meeting. No word on what came out of that private session, but students said they will continue to protest until Carruth is reinstated. They've already staged a walkout at school and started two petitions with more than 850 signatures.

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