RED BANK — The borough Board of Education is now working on the short list of administrators to replace former Schools Superintendent Dr. J. Michael Rush, who left the position for a job with the state.
On Monday, the board met with Dr. Richard Fiander, the consultant hired to screen candidates for the position, to discuss the interview process. From the approximately 50 applicants, Fiander has narrowed the field down to seven who will interview with the board.
The first round of interviews were scheduled to begin as early as yesterday and could extend into next week, said board president John McMahon.
The second round of interviews will be conducted by a larger group, to include teachers, staff, parents, and other members of the community, McMahon said.
If a decision can be made soon, the new superintendent will be in place during the early part of the coming school year, though not by the opening of school in September.
"Our original goal was to name someone before the beginning of the school year, and depending on what their professional obligations are, we’d have them on board in October," said McMahon.
McMahon said he believes that the board is still on pace to complete the process by that time. A candidate may have to give as much as 60 days’ notice before being able to take the reins in Red Bank.
According to interim superintendent Dr. Kenneth Hall, officials will wait until the superintendent position is filled to interview for the position of director of curriculum. Because those two positions work so closely together, said Hall, it would be better to wait until a new superintendent is in place so that person can direct the hiring process.
Hall said he is not one of the candidates for the permanent position.
He can remain as the interim superintendent for up to one year if necessary, said McMahon.
The district is also actively searching for a new principal for the middle school.