WAYNE — Some teachers in this township's school district have decided not to participate in graduation ceremonies because of ongoing disputes with the administration.

The Wayne Education Association tells NJ Advance Media it will not comment on specifics. Union president Eda Ferrante says the educators decided not to volunteer their time to sit on the field, but they will attend events to congratulate their students.

Schools Superintendent Mark Toback says "you don't put kids in the middle." Toback says that 23 union members had been suspended since he became superintendent in 2014 and the actions were taken "because the priority is student safety."

Toback says arrangements are being made to fill in for the teachers at the district's five ceremonies.

(Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

More From New Jersey 101.5 FM