Parents in the Enlarged City School District of Middletown say they’re concerned and frustrated after learning that Superintendent Amy Creeden is on leave, just days before the first day of school.

The district sent a letter to families on Aug. 29 announcing that Creeden would be taking “a personal leave of absence for several weeks” and that Assistant Superintendent Camille Adoma would serve as acting superintendent in the meantime.

In the letter, Adoma told families: “Please know the Board of Education, district staff and I will not comment on any personnel related information.”

That statement came only two days after the school board held an special, closed-door meeting citing “personnel matters.” The timing has fueled speculation in the community, with some parents questioning whether the leave is voluntary.

On social media, one Middletown parent wrote: “My emails to her keeps bouncing back. What’s that tell ya?” Another resident posted, “People… have the right to know what is going on in the meetings.”

Creeden, who earns more than $350,000 a year according to SeeThroughNY payroll records, is one of the highest-paid superintendents in New York state and the Hudson Valley. She has worked in the district for years as a teacher and administrator and was appointed interim superintendent in 2021 before being made permanent in March 2022.

News 12 last communicated with Creeden on July 30. At the time, she responded to an unrelated inquiry, saying she was on PTO but followed up quickly with additional information. Since then, repeated requests to Creeden, the district spokesperson and School Board President Edwin Estrada have gone unanswered.

Parents who spoke with News 12 say they want more transparency.

“Trust goes both ways. It is always helpful to share as much as possible," said Sarah Henkel.

“We don’t know so we’ll just have to wait until we know more… That’s just how it goes in all districts," said Miranda Tobin.

The district says its focus remains on opening schools smoothly next week. Classes for K–8 begin Sept. 3, with a staggered start at Middletown High School through Sept. 5.