By Lea Kahn, Staff Writer
MONTGOMERY — In front of a standing-room-only crowd, the Board of Education approved a two-year extension to the employment contract of Superintendent of Schools Nancy Gartenberg in a 6-3 split vote Tuesday night.
School board members Christine Witt, Dale Huff, Dharmesh Doshi, Humberto Goldoni, and school board president Adelle Kirk-Csontos and board vice president Judy Humza voted “yes.” The three “no” votes were cast by Nicholas Hladick, Sandra Donnay and Amy Miller.
The school board first rescinded Ms. Gartenberg’s current contract, which was set to expire June 30, 2017, and then approved a new contract that began July 21 (Tuesday) and will end June 30, 2020.
Ms. Gartenberg’s salary will remain at $167,500, unless the state-mandated salary cap regulations expire or are amended. She may receive a merit bonus. She will be required to contribute toward her medical, dental, prescription and hospitalization insurance.
Meanwhile, more than 30 people packed the school board’s conference room, including staff, parents and residents. Several attendees praised Ms. Gartenberg during the public participation segment of the meeting, while others raised questions about procedural issues.
Minkyo Chenette, whose children attend the public schools, said her experiences with Ms. Gartenberg have been “wonderful.” The superintendent understands the PTO and PTA goals, and she has attended many events.
“She understands what we want. I think she’s a very nice lady. She welcomes everyone. I am here to urge you to consider your vote. My message is clear,” Ms. Chenette said, adding that she would like to work with Ms. Gartenberg for another five years.
Former Village Elementary School vice principal Alfred Hadinger recommended extending Ms. Gartenberg’s contract because it would bring continuity and stability to the school district. He retired in June.
Mr. Hadinger said that during his career in the Montgomery Township public school district, he had worked under nine superintendents — all of whom were “good” — but they viewed the district as a stepping stone to other positions, he said.
By contrast, Ms. Gartenberg is committed to the Montgomery Township school district and wants to stay, he said. She is committed to doing what is best for the students, and she is not afraid to make “unpopular decisions” if it benefits them, he said.
Resident Alan Wirsul said the board should hold off on extending the contract until after the November general election for the school board. Four school board seats will be available. He said that a decision made now would be binding on the next school board, which takes office in January 2016.
Resident Phyllis Bursh questioned the procedure. She said she was “perplexed” by the need to hold a public hearing before the school board voted on Ms. Gartenberg’s contract, since it was approved by Juan Torres, the interim Executive County Superintendent of Schools.
“It has already been decided. Welcome to the next five years,” Ms. Bursh said.
School board attorney Stephen Fogarty explained that the school board followed state regulations that govern the issue. Ms. Gartenberg approached the school board and indicated her desire to stay on, and the matter — including the terms of the new contract — were reviewed by the board in closed session.
The contract was sent to the Somerset Executive County Superintendent of Schools’ office for review, and then sent back to the school board for action. The regulations require 30 days’ notice for the public hearing on the contract, but the school board provided 52 days’ notice, Mr. Fogarty said.
School board member Nicholas Hladick questioned the process, noting that when the district was seeking to hire a superintendent several years ago, input was sought from all segments of the community, including students, staff and parents. None of that occurred during the discussions to extend Ms. Gartenberg’s contract, he said.
“My objection — it’s not (Ms. Gartenberg’s) performance. I think she has done a great job, but I do not support the process,” Mr. Hladick said. By scrapping the old contract, the board is “in essence” hiring a new superintendent and there should have been more debate and discussion, he said.
Board member Amy Miller agreed with Mr. Hladick’s points about the process, adding that there was not enough time to get input on the contract extension. School board members are told “over and over again” that one of their most important duties is to hire the superintendent, she said. Voting now “wipes out the chance” for the next school board to be involved, she said.
Board member Humberto Goldoni reminded the members that “this is different.” The issue is renewing Ms. Gartenberg’s contract, not hiring a new superintendent, and there is no need to go back to the teachers, students and community for input, he said.
School board vice president Judy Humza added that “it’s not a popularity contest. (We) set goals. Did she accomplish them? It’s not whether you like her or not.”
