Former employee is new South administrator

Frances Tolley will be the interim business administrator, replacing Julie Mumaw, who left for personal reasons.

By: Linda Seida
   WEST AMWELL — The Board of Education of South Hunterdon Regional High School has hired a former employee to act as the district’s interim business administrator.
   Frances Tolley of Flemington was the district’s business administrator from the mid-1980s well into the 1990s, and she also was a business teacher there, according to board President Douglas Coleman. She will return to the district June 12 with a salary of $450 per day.
   The June start date will allow the new interim administrator to work alongside outgoing administrator, Julie Mumaw, before Ms. Mumaw’s resignation takes effect June 30.
   "We feel that Frances is familiar with the district, and the learning curve will be short," Superintendent Lisa Brady said after the new hire was announced May 18.
   Ms. Brady said the district hopes Ms. Tolley’s employment runs the duration of a planned construction and renovation project, which it anticipates completing by September 2007.
   Ms. Tolley served as the interim business administrator for Readington Township schools when that district underwent a recent $27 million construction and renovation project. Her experience will translate well for South Hunterdon as the district prepares to tackle its own $20.8 million project, according to Ms. Brady.
   "We feel this is a good fit for us at this time," Ms. Brady said.
   Richard Kilpatrick, the business administrator at the West Amwell Township Elementary School, was a member of Readington Township’s Board of Education when Ms. Tolley worked there as the interim administrator.
   He said, "I think Fran is a great addition for South Hunterdon. She brings a historical perspective, and she brings what the future is looking for."
   Ms. Mumaw submitted her resignation to the board April 20. She did not publicly disclose her reasons for resigning, saying only she has "other plans."
   Ms. Tolley did not attend the May 18 board meeting. A phone call asking for comment was not returned immediately.