By Jennifer Kohlhepp, Managing Editor
The East Windsor Regional School District has a new superintendent after more than a year of searching for a new leader.
The Board of Education unanimously voted to hire Richard Katz as the new superintendent of schools during Monday night’s meeting.
“The most important action a school board can take is to appoint a new superintendent of schools,” Board of Education President Alice Weisman said. “Appointing a superintendent of schools for the East Windsor Regional School District is especially challenging given the fact that the student population for grades PK-12 is over 5,000 and the professional and support staff numbers over 700.”
James Baker was the interim superintendent hired after Dr. Edward Forsthoffer resigned to take the superintendent position at Bordentown Regional School District in July 2014. When Dr. Baker resigned earlier this year, Thomas Gialanella was hired July 1 as the next interim superintendent.
Dr. Katz, who is leaving the Saddle Brook School District, where he is currently serving as superintendent, will earn $167,500 as superintendent of the East Windsor Regional School District. The Saddle Brook School District is also a Pre-K-12 district that is located in Bergen County.
“We are very pleased to appoint a seasoned professional we believe is the right person to lead the East Windsor Regional School District to the next level,” Ms. Weisman said.
Dr. Katz graduated from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, where he earned a Doctorate of Education in administration and supervision. He also holds a Master of Arts Degree in education administration and supervision from Montclair State University. His undergraduate degree is from Ohio State University.
“It is with honor and privilege that I assume the role of superintendent of the East Windsor Regional School District,” Dr. Katz said. “I sincerely thank the Board of Education for their professionalism throughout this process and for the opportunity to serve in this prestigious position. I have been impressed with their unwavering and steadfast commitment to ensure that the East Windsor Regional School District provides outstanding and continuously improving educational experiences for each of its students.”
Dr. Katz started his career in education as a teacher and taught classes ranging from pre-kindergarten through 7th grade. His administrative career includes service as vice principal and principal at both the elementary and middle school levels, in K-8 settings, such as the Ringwood Public Schools, and larger Pre-K-12 districts including South Orange-Maplewood. Prior to his time in Saddle Brook, Dr. Katz was simultaneously superintendent, principal, and director of special services in the Clinton-Glen Gardner School District. Dr. Katz is also an adjunct professor at Montclair State University, teaching administration and supervision courses to students pursuing a master’s degree.
“I look forward to working with all stakeholders in the educational community to ensure that we uphold the great traditions of the school system while simultaneously leading the district into the future,” Dr. Katz said.
