May 8, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 3 Franklin Lakes Superintendent resigns, board fires administrator by Frank J. McMahon The Franklin Lakes Board of Education has accepted the resignation of Superintendent Frank Romano effective at the end of his current contract on June 30, 2014, and narrowly voted not to renew the contract of Cheryl Best, the district’s director of curriculum and instruction. Both actions took place at last week’s public meeting. Romano assumed the position of superintendent on July 1, 2010, when he replaced former superintendent Roger Bayersdorfer whose retirement became effective on June 30, 2010. Bayersdorfer had served as superintendent since Sept. 1, 2000, when he replaced Dr. Edward J. Sullivan who retired after leading the K-8 district for 15 years. Romano’s prior positions included assistant superintendent of schools in Fort Lee. He also held the position of assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction in Millburn Township. The vote to accept Romano’s resignation was unanimous, although several board members expressed regret that he will be leaving the district. “It’s a loss for the district and it does not bode well for the community,” said long-time trustee Richard Koenigsberg. “History will show you bettered the district,” he told Romano. “You tried to do the right thing always. I know you had only the best intention to make us better, from good to great. With deep regret I will cast my vote to accept your resignation” Best came to the district in August 2010. The board voted 5-4 to turn down Romano’s recommendation to appoint her for the 2013-14 school year and thereby grant her tenure in that job. Voting not to appoint Best were Michael Ben-David, Shirley O’Reilly, Craig Urciuoli, School Board Vice President Larry Loprete, and School Board President Susan McGowan. Voting in favor of appointing Best were Jackie Veliky, Christine Christopoul, Koenigsberg, and Jamie Martino. Urciuoli explained his vote pointing to the NJASK (New Jersey Assessment of Skills and Knowledge) test scores. He said that, according to his analysis, those scores have seen a significant decline. “Most disappointing were the scores of the middle school,” he said, “and I don’t accept the explanation that that it’s because of the elementary schools over the past two years.” “I don’t believe Cheryl Best over the long term is the best fit for Franklin Lakes,” he said. Koenigsberg disagreed, saying that the premise of Urciuoli’s argument was false. He pointed out that the district did not have a curriculum director for two years before Best was hired. “You can’t hang those test scores on her. She has turned the ship around. Not giving her tenure will derail this district for years to come,” Koenigsberg asserted. (continued on page 27)