Ex-school officials won't face charges Police conclude probe into possible threats against Holmdel sup't. BY DAN NEWMAN Staff Writer Holmdel police have confirmed that their investigation into possible terroristic threats by two former Holmdel High School staff members has been completed without any charges being filed. In February, a search warrant was executed on the Wall Township home of former Supervisor of Athletics, Health and Physical Education Laurie Cancalosi and former Principal Cheryl Swider. Computer equipment was seized from the Duce Avenue home as police investigated possible threats against Schools Superintendent Barbara Duncan. The two were removed from their jobs on Duncan's recommendation last summer after many students and staffers complained about their lack of leadership. "After an investigation by the Holmdel Police Department and the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office, in which we exhausted all investigative leads and thoroughly reviewed everything, the matter is now out of our hands," Holmdel Police Detective Sgt. James Smythe said. Smythe did mention that even though the investigation has concluded, the possibility of civil suits being filed still exists. "It's up to their lawyers at this point to see what the next step really is," Smythe said. "At this point though, the investigation has been completed." Michael Pappa, a lawyer for Cancalosi and Swider, said that the two are glad the matter is over. "Although Dr. Swider and Dr. Cancalosi are happy that this trying time has come to an end and their names have been cleared, the fact remains that the harm to their reputation and emotional well-being from the publicity surrounding the allegations cannot be undone," Pappa said. First Assistant Prosecutor Peter Warshaw, whose office also took part in the investigation, could not be reached for comment. The problems for the pair can be traced back to the middle of the 2005 football season when Joseph O'Connor, the head football coach, quit in protest after the board reinstated a player whom O'Connor removed from the team for disciplinary reasons. Following the resignation of O'Connor and the rest of his staff, Swider took over as the coach, enduring a rough finish to the season, all the while receiving minimal support from the teachers' union and members of the public. Following the season, due to a squabble between administrators and those closely involved with the football program, 43 staff members were transferred to different schools. O'Connor and those who supported him were among the group of staffers that were transferred. The move eventually prompted a walkout by students. Nearly a year ago, the Holmdel Township Education Association issued a vote of no confidence toward Cancalosi, who was let go, and Swider, who was moved to her previous position as the district's athletic trainer.