Peter Burnham quit his job as Brookdale Community College president Tuesday, the Asbury Park Press reports.
Under fire for lavish pay and perks, and under investigation over questions about spending, Burnham said his resignation should not be taken as an admission of guilt, according to the Press.
Through a statement issued by his attorney, the 66-year-old Colts Neck resident said he had been planning to retire soon, “but I would be disingenuous if I did not say that recent events have moved my timetable forward.
“However, let me be clear about the fact that my retirement should not be construed as a concession or admission of any impropriety. My record at Brookdale speaks for itself; and, I am certain that my good reputation will be preserved,” he wrote.
The Lincroft two-year college’s board of trustees put Burnham on unpaid leave last week amid questions about office expenses, and the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s office has launched an investigation, the college’s spokesman confirmed Friday.
Controversy arose last month when Monmouth County Freeholder John Curley of Middletown raised objections to an employment contract that paid Burnham an annual $216,000 salary plus a country club membership, a housing allowance, a car and up to $40,000 a year of tuition coverage for two his children.
Now, Curley wants the entire board out.
From the Press:
Freeholder John P. Curley said he was pleased that Burnham resigned. Now it’s time for the college board and its attorney to step down as well, he said, adding that the public does not have faith in the college leadership anymore.
“They are policing themselves at this point and that’s unacceptable,” Curley said.
