BOE to Begin Hiring Process for New Superintendent

The board of education is preparing its plans for hiring a new superintendent after Superintendent of Schools Michael Schilder officially announced his retirement, effective Aug. 1.

"I came to Bridgewater-Raritan over six years ago, and have never regretted that decision," Schilder said during his announcement at Tuesday's board of education meeting. "In fact, this position has been the highlight of my career thus far."

"We have worked through many challenges and opportunities, and, while the district had always been strong, I think we've made many improvements that resulted in an even better school district," he added.

Schilder said his retirement will be effective Aug. 1, although his last day will be some time before that because of vacation days he will be taking.

"And I will work in whatever capacity the board feels is best to make a successful transition with a new superintendent," he said.

Board members said they have been happy to work with Schilder over the years.

"It's been a pleasure," said board vice president Jill Gladstone. "We have had our ups and downs, but [it has been handled] with a sense of balance and open-door mentality."

Board member Lynn Hurley said she attended sessions held for input on a new superintendent just before Schilder was hired, and before she joined the board.

"I said my piece, and you brought everything I had hoped for and more," she said. "We were very fortunate to have you, and you will be missed in this community."

Now, the board is tasked with finding Schilder's replacement. Once he leaves Aug. 1, an acting superintendent will be put in place, and then an interim will be appointed as of the start of the school year, until a new superintendent is hired.

"I think this is going to be a daunting task," said board member Ann Marie Mead, chairwoman of the personnel committee which will be handling the search. "We decided that everything we do will have to be approved by the board. The most important decision is choosing a superintendent of schools, and that is something we are going to take notice of."

Mead said they are hoping to place an ad through the district's business office, and, once the resumes come in, the committee will review them and interview qualified candidates.

As they are looking for candidates and organizations to assist in the search, Mead said, some of the must-have criteria for the process will include transparency, communication and the ability to get community input.

"This is a team effort, and we have to do this right," she said.

Board member Arvind Mathur, who was on the board when Schilder was initially hired, said this will be a laborious process with the number of resumes that will be expected.

Board president Patrick Breslin said it may be more difficult because there has been a high turnover rate for superintendents in New Jersey. In the 2009-2010 year, 18 percent of superintendents changed jobs, 28.9 percent in 2010-2011 and 34.1 percent in 2011-2012.

"Given the frequency of change, I think we're going to be in a situation where there are a lot of people," he said. "It may impact the talent pool significantly, and it may not be business as usual."

Mathur said the process will be tough over the next few months.

"I think as a board we have to manage expectations," he said. "I think most senior superintendents are fleeing west, and I think we will have a tough time."