April 27, 2011 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 5
Mahwah
School board searches for interim superintendent
by Frank J. McMahon
The Mahwah Board of Education has announced that its search for a new superintendent has failed to produce a viable replacement. The trustees are now conducting their own search for an interim superintendent. The school board is attempting to replace the school district’s current superintendent, Charles Montesano, who is retiring. An interim superintendent is usually an educator who has retired from the same position in another school district and works on a per diem basis. According to School Board President Patricia Shada, the maximum per diem salary allowed by law for an interim superintendent would be $650 per day. The maximum contract period would be for one year, although the contract could be renewed for an additional year if necessary. The board’s search began earlier this year after Montesano announced his impending retirement. RPat Solutions, LLC was contracted to conduct a search and to screen potential candidates. The company received about 30 applications and presented five to the board. The trustees interviewed all five candidates. Shada said the interviewing process is confidential because all the candidates are currently working in education, but she said that generally the board did not feel they provided a good fit for Mahwah. She said
the board is really looking for “a clone of Charlie” because they have been so pleased with Montesano. “We’ve been so proud and so pleased with the work he’s led us to do which has brought us to where we are,” Shada said. “He’s a difficult act to follow.” Shada said it is difficult to identify the qualities the board is looking for, but she explained that the superintendent would be the image of the Mahwah schools and the board wants someone who can make sure everything is explained to the public properly. She said Montesano has been an articulate spokesman for the district. “I think that’s what we want,” Shada said. She added that the superintendent’s position would pay $187,500 under the new state-mandated salary cap for superintendents. That cap is based on a sliding salary scale, determined by the state, according to the number of students enrolled in a school district. Montesano currently receives $218,000 per year. “That’s a problem statewide,” Shada explained, referring to the new salary cap. She pointed out that many districts have interim superintendents and added, “Until all this shakes out it, will continue to be that way.” Shada pointed out that state law prohibits Montesano from becoming the interim superintendent in the district from which he retired until after 120 days beyond the date of his retirement. She also said she does not believe Montesano wants to become an
interim superintendent when he retires. Shada said she believes the district will do well with an interim superintendent. “We’ve got a great administrative team, who can bring a seasoned superintendent up to par with what we’re doing in the district, and we’ll take it from there,” she said. Montesano will retire on July 1 from his 37-year career in education. He has spent the last seven years in the Mahwah School District. He said he intends to play golf, go mountain biking, and fish when he retires, although he might also teach at a college. When asked if he intends to accept an acting or interim superintendent position once he retires, Montesano said that was not part of his plan for retirement.
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