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Middletown School Superintendent Amy Creeden is cleared of wrongdoing in a federal disability complaint believed to be linked to her leave of absence since the start of the school year, according to a report obtained by News 12.
The 19-page report was finalized in late October and was conducted by an outside investigator hired by the Middletown Board of Education following a federal ADA complaint filed by a district employee.
The original complaint alleged that the superintendent failed to properly accommodate a district employee who was grieving the loss of a spouse and dealing with medical issues, raising concerns about potential violations of federal disability law.
According to the report, investigators found no evidence that Creeden violated federal disability law or retaliated against the employee. The report concludes the employee did receive reasonable accommodations and that, while the process was not perfect, it fell within what is required under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The investigation also found no discrimination or unlawful conduct by Creeden.
“It is recommended that the Board of Education review the contents of this report, and that the Board follow-up with its Board-appointed legal counsel with respect to any necessary actions in response to such findings and conclusions,” the report states.
However, the report raises concerns about internal issues within the district. Investigators cite confusion among Board of Education members about what information was shared, when it was shared and who was aware of key developments.
It also states that another school administrator provided inaccurate or incomplete information to the board and flags the possible improper disclosure of confidential information during the process.
The document notes that its findings do not supersede the ongoing federal investigation into the complaint. The ADA complaint remains under review by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the U.S. Department of Justice, which will ultimately determine the outcome of their separate investigation.
The Middletown School District has not publicly commented on the report. In November, the Board of Education voted against a proposal for the superintendent to return to work on Dec. 1.
Creeden has been on leave since the beginning of the school year. News 12 first reported on the leave and the complaint in early September.
The following statement was provided by Creeden's attorney, Gregory Berck:
We are pleased to see this investigatory report finally become public. Mrs. Creeden had not been provided access to this report despite numerous requests. We were confident the investigation would confirm the truth, and school district counsel repeatedly informed us that Mrs. Creeden was vindicated.
Notably, the Board requested that Mrs. Creeden prepare a reentry plan to return to work in late November or early December. Mrs. Creeden provided this plan the same day.
Despite her immediate compliance and clear readiness to return, the Board never responded and failed to follow through on that commitment. We have received no explanation for why Mrs. Creeden was placed on involuntary personal leave, particularly given that in prior situations involving complaints against district leadership and senior administrators, individuals remained in their positions during investigations.
We are at a loss as to why Mrs. Creeden remains on involuntary personal leave. She has dedicated a quarter of a century to Middletown and cares deeply about the students, staff, and community she has served. She is committed to a resolution that serves the best interests of all parties and allows everyone to move forward.
We appreciate the four Board members who have supported Mrs. Creeden's return and hope the full Board will work toward a fair resolution.
The community deserves transparency and thoughtful leadership during this time.
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