Jamesburg nears choice

Superintendent search may end next week

By: Bill Greenwood
   JAMESBURG — The Board of Education could select a new superintendent as early as next week, board President Don Peterson said.
   Mr. Peterson said the board is conducting second interviews with its final four candidates and most likely would pick one of them for a third interview.
   The final steps for that prospective candidate will include an in-district visit to Jamesburg, during which they will meet with "various stakeholder groups," including teachers, administrators and PTA representatives, Mr. Peterson said.
   Board members then would visit the candidate’s district, and background and reference checks would be conducted. Mr. Peterson said the process could take one to two weeks.
   The board then would have to negotiate a contract with the new superintendent and hold a public hearing on it. Mr. Peterson said he hoped to advertise for the public hearing in April and hold the meeting in May.
   "So far, we’re pleased with the candidates we’ve received," Mr. Peterson said. "We think, all things being equal, we should have a very well-qualified candidate when we’re done."
   Whoever is selected would replace current Superintendent Shirley Bzdewka, who plans to retire June 30. The new superintendent would begin working July 1.
   Business Administrator Tom Reynolds said Ms. Bzdewka earned $115,000 last year. The amount the new superintendent will make is currently unknown.
   The district is looking for someone who has experience working as a teacher and principal, a willingness to accept staff input, strong disciplinary skills, and support for extracurricular opportunities and staff-development programs for teachers to improve their skills. The criteria were developed by the New Jersey School Boards Association following interviews with faculty, community members and school board members.