Antunes named interim school head

Board of Education narrows search for new superintendent to two finalists.

By: Eileen Oldfield
   The Board of Education appointed Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum Lisa Antunes as interim superintendent Monday, as members prepare for final interviews with two candidates to replace Superintendent Karen Lake, who is retiring.
   "I’m excited and really looking forward to a wonderful, busy summer as the interim superintendent," said Dr. Antunes. "I look forward to working with the Board of Education, the district staff, and the public we have a permanent superintendent."
   Though the board will concentrate on finding a permanent superintendent, other concerns won’t be put on hold. Over the summer, the board expects to work on several areas, says Dr. Antunes.
   "We will continue to work on filling vacancies, staff issues, and curriculum concerns," said Dr. Antunes. "We’ll also address concerns from the public the board, and the administrative team."
   Dr. Antunes has served as the district’s assistant superintendent for two years; before coming to Hillsborough, she worked as the assistant superintendent in Jefferson Township. Her familiarity with the school district and the Board of Education contributed to her appointment says board President Neil Hudes.
   Because of a law requiring school districts a 30-day notice of contract changes, Dr. Antunes’ $127,000 annual salary will stay the same for the time being, however, the board will revisit the matter at its Aug. 20 meeting, if a permanent replacement has not been hired.
   "We did get names of other candidates," said Mr. Hudes. "But when we talked about having someone from outside the district, we decided we were better with someone who knows the district."
   Dr. Lake will retire on June 30; Dr. Antunes’ term as interim superintendent will start the next day, July 1. She will serve until the board appoints a permanent superintendent for the school district.
   The Board of Education continues to evaluate potential superintendent candidates, and has narrowed the search to two people out of the eight who were recommended by the search firm hired to vet applications. One candidate dropped out of the race after accepting a position in another school district, however.
   Officials would not say whether or not Dr. Antunes is one of the finalists for the post.
   The Personnel Committee interview the applicants on May 13 and May 26 before presenting its findings to the board. The board met in closed session Tuesday (June 19) for interviews of the final candidates.
   The board has not set a definite date for choosing a permanent superintendent, though they say that the process is proceeding on schedule. According to Mr. Hudes, the board is checking each candidate’s references and background.
   "Hopefully, over the next couple of weeks, we’ll be able to come to a decision," said Mr. Hudes.