Values and value

Embarrassing revelations of plagiarism by former Teaneck schools superintendent A. Spencer "Skip" Denham in public remarks and newsletters are casting a shadow on the back to school season. The district leadership cannot be happy with the latest publicity, nor will those who argue that Teaneck residents are not getting appropriate value for its school tax dollars will be pleased to hear that a slothful administrator was taking shortcuts to fulfill the responsibilities for which he was paid.

It is hardly necessary to comment on the moral dimensions of this case. For an educator to plagiarize the work of others is quite obviously inexcusable. At the same time, there is little need to heap any additional scorn upon Mr. Denham, who has apologized for his shameful deeds. What is worth noting is the impact of these incidents upon the public perception of the Teaneck school system and the movement to impose additional fiscal restraints upon it.

Mr. Denham may have done as much damage to the career prospects of his former administrative colleagues as he has to his own reputation.