The Middletown Board of Education has voted against bringing Superintendent Amy Creeden back from administrative leave, extending uncertainty surrounding district leadership as the school year enters a critical stretch.

The motion to reinstate Creeden on Dec. 1 failed during last week’s meeting in a 5–4 vote, following nearly 20 minutes of debate among board members. Creeden has been on leave since the start of the school year.

The district has never publicly stated why Creeden was placed on leave. However, News 12 previously learned the move was tied to a federal complaint filed by a district staff member whose husband had recently died.

According to the complaint, the employee was experiencing significant difficulty returning to work while grieving and had doctor-ordered ADA accommodations to ease her transition — including adjustments to her schedule and duties. The staff member alleged that Creeden did not adequately support or implement those accommodations and responded in a way she believed was insensitive to her medical, emotional and disability-related needs.

The complaint, filed with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, accused Creeden of failing to provide a supportive and legally compliant environment for an employee entitled to workplace accommodations. The filing was submitted shortly before Creeden was placed on leave, which may explain the timing of the district’s action.

During the meeting, several board members argued the district still does not have a finalized transition or professional-development plan for Creeden’s return — something they say was discussed but never agreed upon as a full board.

Andrew Moore, who voted no, said the board had not completed the work needed to bring Creeden back.

“We have not even gotten into the discussion where we all agree upon what was needed to take place. So, with that being said, I am voting no at this time.”

Others pushed back, saying Creeden has already been cleared of wrongdoing and that delaying her return only prolongs confusion for staff and families.

Edwin Estrada, who voted yes, said the board had “dragged its feet.”

“The longer we wait does not fix the problem — it exacerbates the problem. You can’t hold her accountable if she’s sitting at home getting paid.”

Several members noted the district is heading into budget season, holiday breaks and the midpoint of the academic year — a period they argued would benefit from leadership stability. Some said Creeden could return first, with any additional requirements or professional development addressed afterward.

Others countered that returning her without a cohesive plan would set the district up for conflict.

A spokesperson for the district told News 12 it does not comment on personnel matters.

News 12 will continue to follow developments as the board determines next steps for the superintendent position.