Dr. Victoria Kniewel gets unanimous endorsement from board
By: Nick Norlen
Dr. Victoria Kniewel, the newly-named superintendent of the West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District is looking past the school board’s debate over the process that led to her selection this week.
The board voted 7-0 for her appointment on Tuesday, but not before hearing some members express concerns about the amount of public involvement and the fact that only internal candidates were considered for the position.
Dr. Kniewel is currently the assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, a position she has held since she joined the district in August 2004.
She was one of three internal candidates considered to replace Superintendent Robert Loretan, who was appointed in 2003 and tendered his resignation, effective Aug. 31, in January.
Dr. Kniewel said Wednesday that she doesn’t think the board’s debate about the process will hinder her ability to fulfill her new duties.
"I certainly didn’t get a sense that the process affected people’s feelings about the outcome, or my selection," she said. "I believe that by working together as a leadership team myself with the board of education we can absolutely move beyond that."
Board President Hemant Marathe said that the discussion prior to the board vote was "about the process, not the candidate."
Board member Ellen Walsh said she abstained only in disagreement with the process and not as a reflection on Dr. Kniewel.
"We disregarded comments from the public and teachers," she said. "We held closed deliberations and never allowed a focus group or a town meeting format to allow the chance to discuss the issues and meet the candidates."
Mr. Marathe disagreed.
"I really can’t support the argument that we didn’t have an open process. Every person who wanted to give a comment was allowed to comment," he said. "We debated long and hard. It was not a consensus, but we went with whatever the final decision was of the board."
Board Vice President Robert Johnson said that despite what he believes were "honest, candid" discussions, "it has to be acknowledged that some board members and members of the educational community were uncomfortable with our closed deliberations."
But "an alternative that would be acceptable to a majority of the board failed to materialize," he said. "If, in retrospect, we admit that our process could have been improved, the fault lies solely with the board, and should not detract from the result. I believe that in spite of an imperfect process, the board has made a great choice for the district."
According to board member Stan Katz, "It was a different process, as opposed to an imperfect process." He said the process only appeared less open than the one used to select Dr. Loretan. "For the first time in the history of the district, we are approving the superintendent as an internal promotion, and I think that’s a wonderful thing."
Later, Mr. Johnson responded by stating that the board could have explained the process to the public better.
"It might have been more prudent for the board to have laid out a plan," he said.
But board member Randall Tucker said he was "thrilled" with what he said was a process that resulted from lengthy board deliberation.
Board member Patricia Bocarsly said she believes the process was fair.
"I am very pleased with the outcome. I was pleased with the quality of the candidates," she said.
Dr. Kniewel said she believes district residents are most concerned about excellence.
"I think people move here for the schools and are willing to support the schools. We have a very dedicated community," she said.
But that excellence must rely on clinging to "very focused, deliverable priorities," she said.
"Some people hear excellence and think that means whatever it takes," she said. "That’s not it. We are a very fiscally responsible district and we deliver in that environment."
Dr. Kniewel said she brings a "passion for teaching and learning" to the position which she said she had been aiming for. Her priorities include working to produce "high academic achievement for students of all levels," continuing the referendum-funded facilities project and "being fiscally responsible and delivering fiscally responsible budgets."
She said the district can improve by staying "very attuned and attentive to what’s happening, so we can make little adjustments, so we don’t get into a situation where we have to make big adjustments."
It’s about being "strategic and tactical," and having "one foot in the present and one foot a couple years out," she said. "So you’re always grounded in what’s happening."