Deadlocked School Board Passes on Superintendent Candidates

After sorting through applications from more than 30 candidates for the post of Bridgewater-Raritan Regional superintendent of schools, members of the board of education were unable to agree on a final pick, Board President Patrick Breslin announced at Tuesday's meeting.

"At last night’s (Dec. 16) executive session, the board determined that it could not unite behind any of the existing superintendent candidates," Breslin said. "We’ve been fortunate to meet and interview a large number of good people who have been extremely interested in Bridgewater-Raritan, and while many could bring individual talents and passions that we value, we feel that this district, the students, teachers, staff and administrators deserve the best that we can find."

The board's search began in August after former Superintendent Michael Schilder set his retirement this year. The board contracted with the New Jersey School Boards Association for assistance in the search for someone to fill the $175,000 position. 

In a series of meetings and an online survey, residents were invited to offer views on the skills and characteristics they felt were most important for the new superintendent, which the board used—and will continue to use—in its search.

"We thank all of the citizens, parents and employees for their input and support and we will be carrying those objectives and valuable input that you have provided to us into the New Year and a new search," Breslin said in his statement last night. 

Acting Superintendent Cheryl Dyer will continue in as the administrative head of the district, which she has been since Schilder's departure (she was commended for the job she's been doing Tuesday, receiving an $887.50 merit bonus for meeting a goal set by the board).

"We are extraordinarily fortunate that this district has a top notch administrative team that has not just maintained the district during this time but has made sure that we are continuing to move forward as a high performing district that values continuous improvement," Breslin said.

The board had hoped to have the position filled before the end of the year, but will have to make new plans after its Jan. 2 reorganization meeting. Breslin would not comment on how the search may be conducted.