July 13, 2011 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 5 Mahwah School board hires Lake as interim superintendent by Frank J. McMahon The Mahwah Board of Education has appointed Dr. Karen Lake as the district’s interim superintendent for 2011-12. The appointment is subject to the Bergen County Executive Superintendent’s approval of the contract. The board approved Dr. Lake’s appointment at a recent public meeting so she could be in the position on July 1, the day after the official retirement of the previous superintendent, Dr. Charles Montesano. Lake has served as superintendent of schools in three districts over a 10-year period. Her most recent position was superintendent of schools in Hillsborough. She retired from that district in 2007. “We look forward to welcoming Dr. Lake to the Mahwah school community,” Mahwah Board of Education President Patricia Shada said of Lake’s appointment. In December 2010, Montesano announced his intent to retire on July 1, 2011, finishing his 37-year career in education. He had spent the last seven years in Mahwah. The school board began its search for a new superintendent after Montesano’s announcement, but in April, the board of education announced that its search for a new permanent superintendent had failed to produce a viable replacement. The board then began a search for an interim superintendent who would work on a per diem basis until a permanent superintendent is appointed. According to Shada, the maximum per diem salary allowed by law for an interim superintendent is $650 per day, and the maximum contract period is one year, although a contract can be renewed for an additional year if necessary. According to Shada, the permanent superintendent’s position would pay $187,500 under the new state mandated salary cap for superintendents. That salary cap is based on a sliding salary scale determined by the state according to the number of students enrolled in a school district. Montesano was receiving $218,000 per year. Shada previously pointed out that state law prohibits Montesano from becoming the interim superintendent in the district from which he retired until after 120 days beyond his retirement date. She noted that, in any event, she does not believe Montesano wants to become an interim superintendent in his retirement. Shada believes the district will be fine with an interim superintendent. She cited the quality of the district’s administrative team, and said she believes the team can quickly bring a seasoned superintendent up to speed with what is happening in the district. Learn about Korean culture The Mahwah Public Library is offering the “Korean Spirit and Culture Promotion Project,” which will include the documentaries “50 Wonders of Korea” and “Korea Today: Korea’s Modern Development.” This program for teens and ‘tweens will be held in the Winter Room of the library located at 100 Ridge Road on July 23 at 1 p.m. Between screenings, traditional Korean ceremonies will be performed, including a traditional wedding ceremony. Samples of traditional Korean dishes will be served. Registration has begun, and may be completed in person at the teen librarian’s desk or by using the interactive calendar at Mahwah.bccls.org.