Bordentown Regional School District officials are seeking the public’s help in the search for the next superintendent.
by Amy Batista, Special Writer
BORDENTOWN TOWNSHIP — Bordentown Regional School District officials are seeking the public’s help in the search for the next superintendent.
During the Feb. 25 Board of Education meeting, Board President Mark Drew informed the public that a survey created by board member Kimberly Zablow has been posted on the district website to facilitate feedback from the community.
”Don’t be afraid to shoot it back at us so we can get some information from you,” said Mr. Drew.
Specifically, school officials said they would like to solicit input from the community and staff regarding the characteristics to look for in a candidate. The deadline for survey participation is March 7.
In response to a question from resident Robert Delaney, Mr. Drew informed the public that a search subcommittee had already been formed and is comprised of eight members.
The members include Mr. Drew, a mayoral designee from each of the three communities, a member of the Bordentown Regional Education Association, one non-union employee, a PTA representative and an administrator.
”We didn’t want to have to go to the (New Jersey) School Board (Association for assistance) because it would cost like $10,000,” Mr. Drew said, adding this is why a subcommittee was formed.
”There are 32 people who have shown interest in the application process,” Mr. Drew said. “We sent an application back to them and they have until March 20 to respond.”
The search committee would then narrow down the field to a certain number, he said.
Joseph Miller is serving as the interim superintendent until June 30. He began his tenure Jan. 28 at a rate of $600 per day, according to officials.
”He’s helping us find one because he has done this before,” Mr. Drew said, adding that the board is hoping the next superintendent will be able to start July 1.
”That gives the new person coming in time to get their feet wet and then start off fresh in September,” he said.
Mr. Miller, 66, served as superintendent of Delanco schools for 21 years. He has also served as interim superintendent in six different districts in Burlington County, including Springfield Township. In two of his previous fill-ins, he also provided assistance in the search for a permanent superintendent.
He has 45 years of experience in education, he said, and for two years he was president of an American international school in Brazil.
At a recent meeting, Mr. Miller said he has already distributed a step-by-step plan on finding a replacement and has already written an advertisement to attract prospective superintendent candidates to the district.
He also said he has worked closely with the district in the past while working for other schools in the area, and added that he has always admired how well-run the Bordentown Regional School District is.
Dr. Constance Bauer, who became Bordentown Regional School District superintendent in August 2008, retired as superintendent effective Feb. 1.
Previously, in a brief statement, Dr. Bauer said she has enjoyed “a wonderful career spanning 27 years in public school education.”
According to archives, Dr. Bauer, who was previously chief school administrator of the Chesterfield School District, began her job as superintendent Aug. 18, 2008 replacing the interim superintendent, Diane DeGiacomo.
Dr. Albert Monillas, the previous superintendent, announced he was leaving the district in October 2007.

