By Anthony V. Coppola, Staff Writer
PLUMSTED The New Jersey School Boards Association has finished its search for candidates for a new Plumsted school superintendent, but the Board of Education isn’t ready to reveal the names on the list just yet, local officials said Tuesday.
Kathy Winecoff, the NJSBA’s field service representative, was scheduled to give the names of the applicants to the Plumsted Board of Education during a closed executive session Tuesday night. The vacancy was created by the departure of the former superintendent, Jerry North, last summer.
According to Plumsted school board President Joanna Barlow, the official number of candidates would be announced at Wednesday’s Board of Education public meeting (after The Messenger-Press’ deadline), but not the applicants’ names.
Ms. Barlow also said Tuesday that the board hoped to announce a new interim superintendent to replace the departing interim Superintendent Christine Carlson at Wednesday night’s meeting, but did not want to discuss names for the temporary job in case a selection was not made.
Mr. North announced his resignation June 27 and left Aug. 10 to become principal at Marlboro High School. He had three years remaining on his five-year contract. Assistant Superintendent Christine Carlson, who has been serving as interim superintendent since Aug. 11, announced her decision to leave at the Nov. 5 Board of Education meeting. She has accepted a job as the superintendent/principal of Brielle Elementary School, beginning Jan. 1. Her departure marks the fourth time since June that a high-ranking administrator in the district resigned. Business Administrator Jim Edwards and high school Principal Rich Caldes also left the district shortly after Mr. North departed.
Officials have chalked the exodus up to mere coincidence and the presence of better opportunities elsewhere.
District officials decided to hire help for assistance with the search.
In August, the NJSBA was given a $6,000 contract by the Plumsted Township Board of Education. Board members said it is not uncommon to have associations such as the NJSBA help with finding permanent superintendents even though it is not mandated by the state.

