By: centraljersey.com
CRANBURY – Parents of Cranbury School students hope the new chief school administrator understands the value of a close-knit community, they told the Leadership Advantage search firm when it asked what they’re looking for in a new CSA.
The Board of Education organized a meeting Wednesday for the parents to meet with Leadership Advantage and discuss the ideal candidate for CSA.
Richard Morasco, of Leadership Advantage, met with parents in the evening. During the day, Mr. Morasco met with teachers, faculty and staff to get their perspectives as well. Mr. Morasco is a former superintendent of the Monroe Township School District and twice has served as an interim superintendent for the Princeton Regional School District.
At the meeting, Mr. Morasco explained how the CSA position isn’t as sought after as it used to be since the state government has cut and capped many CSA salaries.
A year ago, Mr. Morasco said, there would be about 150 applicants to a CSA position, but now, there’s typically only about half that many.
The board is paying Leadership Advantage $7,900 to perform the search. "Boards of education typically hire consultants when they’re searching for the next administrator," Mr. Morasco said.
Mr. Morasco met with interim CSA Carol Malouf and School Business Administrator Joyce Picariello in the morning. Then he met with the PTO and the Cranbury Education Foundation after lunch. Then he met with secretaries, custodians and teachers, then with administration and support and, finally, with parents before the end of the day.
Mr. Morasco has performed about 75 CSA searches, including some for districts similar to Cranbury, such as Sea Girt, Fair Haven and Rumson, he said.
Parents at the meeting emphasized the tough financial situation the school is facing and hope the new CSA will know how to save the district money.
"The situation we have now is there’s no more money in the pot," said parent Pete Sockler, of Ancil Davison Road. "I think the reality is something’s going to have to give. Something has to change, and it’s better for it to be something we have control over."
"The whole world changes, but when it does, Cranbury changes less," said parent Constantine Katsifis, of Cubberly Court. "That’s something Cranbury has to offer. I think that’s a selling point."
Mr. Morasco agreed Cranbury does have something special to offer in its "character, culture and community" aspects.
Parents also said the new CSA should have the strength of volunteerism, skills of strategic planning and a traditional, family-oriented mentality.
One thing parents like about Cranbury and its school district is people know each other. It’s a very close-knit community so a new CSA should know how all the different organizations and committees and town work together with the school, parents said.
"You want someone willing to make a commitment," Mr. Morasco added. "You don’t want someone who uses Cranbury as a stepping stone."
He also said the position of Cranbury CSA is probably best for a sitting principal looking to become a superintendent since it’s such a small school district.
"The preferred candidate would have K through eight experience," he said. He said a doctorate degree would be recommended for candidates but not required.
Mr. Morasco explained how Cranbury is in a difficult situation since it’s facing mandates that really are designed to prevent excessive spending from much larger school districts.
"Cranbury has been paying for the sins of others, and I think it’s doing a stellar job," Mr. Sockler said.
Parents also mentioned Cranbury School District is unique in that its CSA and principal positions are combined, and it takes a special person to know how to play both roles.
Leadership Advantage has posted the job application on njjobs.com and in a daily newspaper. Mr. Morasco will perform face to face interviews with the most suitable candidates. The deadline for applications is Feb. 28.

