It’s the last step in the regionalization process that starts July 1
South Hunterdon’s interim superintendent of schools has been chosen for the permanent position, according to the vice president of the school board.
Dr. Louis Muenker will be appointed Monday, June 23, by the South Hunterdon Regional School District Board of Education, according to board member James Gallagher.
The appointment would come at the end of a five-month-long search process. Dr. Muenker, who has been serving as the interim superintendent since July 2013,
"Our search process was an exhaustive one," said Dan Seiter, president of the SHRSD board. "Using the New Jersey School Boards Association as our consultant, we identified a number of highly qualified candidates and conducted numerous interviews with the candidates before the entire board. Ultimately, we became convinced that Dr. Muenker has the right background, experience, and leadership skills to bring us forward to the fully regionalized preK-12 district."
The South Hunterdon Regional School District was formed after voters from Lambertville, Stockton and West Amwell Township voted in September 2013 to dissolve four existing school districts and create a single district that would be responsible for educating students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.
In April, the new board received approval from the state Department of Education to assume control over all school facilities on July 1. The hiring of a superintendent of schools fills the district’s final administrative vacancy.
Dr. Muenker has already been involved in the transition from four districts to one. In January he was chosen by the board to act as interim administrator for the new district through June 30, while also carrying out his duties as the high school administrator.
Previously, Dr. Muenker spent 23 years working in the Neshaminy School District in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, where he served as superintendent for the 8,500-student district from 2008 to 2012. He had served in many other administrative positions in that district, including assistant superintendent/human resources director, pupil services director, and in a principal’s position at both elementary and middle schools.
Dr. Muenker earned a doctor of education degree from Penn State University in 1987.
"We knew Dr Muenker was highly experienced when he came into our district," said Mr. Seiter. "Over the last year, both the board and the SHRHS community has had an opportunity to see first-hand the positive and productive leadership that Dr Muenker brings to a district. He is both engaging and accessible, and as we are now one district, I am certain that the students, parents, and staff within the elementary schools will likewise see the value that Dr. Muenker brings to our district."
The board will hold its public meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, June 23, in the library at the Lambertville Public School.