BY CHRIS GAETANO
Staff Writer
Gary McCartney SOUTH BRUNSWICK – Gary McCartney was reappointed as the district’s superintendent during the Board of Education’s June 19 meeting.
McCartney’s new contract has him serving until June 30, 2010, and gives him an annual salary of $172,595, the same pay rate as his previous contract.
McCartney was hired after 12-year Superintendent Sam Stewart retired in June 2004. He previously worked in the Parkland School District in Allentown, Pa., and was named Superintendent of the Year for the state for the 2002-03 school year. His hire by South Brunswick was the product of two previous searches for a new superintendent, both of which had ended in disagreement or disappointment.
Since that time, the board has had nothing but praise for McCartney, and said so as they voted on the resolution to approve a new contract.
“I think we’re all very fortunate to have Dr. McCartney in this district. I think he’s done a very good job at looking at what we have, taking a critical view of the structure of the district and moving us forward in the direction we point him in and moving us to that next level,” said board member Matthew Speesler.
Board member Barry Nathanson concurred.
“Putting it in sports terms, it’s always good management to sign your better players before they become free agents, so this is an important step for this board and an important step for this district. He’s done everything and more than we expected. I’m glad to vote for this [resolution],” said Nathanson.
Meanwhile, McCart-ney thanked the board for the invitation to serve four more years as superintendent.
“Obviously, there is a great deal of work to be done. … When I first came to South Brunswick, I did it knowing it was a very good district that sought to get better. … I’ve taken that challenge seriously and your support has been unwavering and I thank you very much for it,” said McCartney.