Search for superintendent expected to last one year

BY JOYCE BLAY
Staff Writer

Lakewood LAKEWOOD — There may be a new superintendent of schools in Lakewood’s future.

On Aug. 30, David White and Kathy Weber of the New Jersey School Boards Association made a presentation to the Board of Education describing how they would help the district find the best candidate for the job.

The board voted several months ago not to automatically renew the contract of Superintendent of Schools Ernest Cannava. Cannava’s contract expires next June. The board has invited Cannava to apply for the position. He has declined comment on the board’s offer to apply for the job.

Lakewood is a K-12 district with an enrollment of about 5,300 pupils.

“A condition that exceeds the qualifications in one district may not meet them in another,” Weber said. “We look for the best match, which drives the confidentiality [of the process]. Candidates can withdraw [if confidentiality is not maintained]. It’s an absolutely amazing process when the candidate meets the needs of the district.”

Weber also said that she and White were not only seeking resumes, but answers to questions based on input from the community.

White, an urban field representative, and Weber, a field service representative, emphasized the need for confidentiality throughout the process, as well as the importance of community participation.

The board approved $6,000 for the search, but board member Chet Galdo suggested that more be provided if needed. The search was estimated to cost $5,000.

School board attorney Michael Inzelbuch said preliminary requirements for the position should include three to five years experience in a K-12 district with classroom instruction. A doctorate is preferred. Proven leadership will be required, as is the ability to improve test scores, district finances and the ability to work with a multicultural urban minority community.

Since Lakewood also has a large pool of handicapped students, Inzelbuch stressed the need for a superintendent who is able to administer their needs as well. He also said that since the district hoped to build more school modulars, which are add-ons to existing buildings, experience in generating community support for construction projects would be needed.

For the past three years, Lakewood voters have defeated proposed school budgets. Board members expressed the hope that with a new superintendent of schools, that trend could turn around.

“Amazing things can happen,” Weber said.

“Right now we’re looking for pie in the sky, but that might be a good place to start,” said board President Abraham Ostreicher.

The search process is slated to take place over the 2004-05 school year, according to Weber.

“This past year there has been a drop in the number of superintendent vacancies,” she said. “[Since] contracts run a minimum of three years and a maximum of five years, we are finding that [many candidates have longer contracts with their present employers]. A year to do a search is ample time.”

A public meeting is scheduled for Oct. 18 at 7:30 p.m. The input provided at that meeting will be incorporated into a report made to the district on Oct. 25.

An advertisement for the position will be run in The Star-Ledger and Education Week on Oct. 31 and Nov. 21. The New York Times was deemed too expensive for the advertisement. The advertisement will be distributed to associations, colleges and county superintendents. It will also be posted on the district’s Web site and the NJSBA’s Web site.

All inquiries must be submitted by Dec. 16. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with a 19-day response time. All applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. Jan. 4.

On Jan. 10, Weber and White will deliver résumés sorted into three categories to the board — those that meet the requirements for the position, those that do not, and those that exceed them.

By Jan. 31, the board is expected to have completed its review of all the applicants and selected four to five candidates for an interview.

From Feb. 14-17, a first round of interviews will be scheduled. Two or three candidates will be selected for a second interview, which will be held on March 1-2. Those chosen as likely prospects must provide references prior to being told they are still under consideration.

On March 14, the board will conduct in-district visits.

A finalist will be chosen by April 1. Contract negotiations will begin at that time. A formal offer of employment will be made to the successful candidate on May 1. He or she will be introduced to staff and the community at that time. Since most contracts have a 60- to 90-day release clause, the new superintendent of schools will begin on July 1, 2005.

Weber said once a superintendent is hired, the NJSBA will monitor the individual’s performance and interaction with the community and district.

“We hope it will ensure success thereafter,” she said.