Assistant Superintendent to leave her post
By: Rebecca Tokarz
Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum Willa Spicer, has announced that she will retire from the school district effective July 1.
A 27-year veteran of the district, Ms. Spicer will leave to head CREATE/BCC, a coalition of the State Department of Education, the New Jersey Education Association, superintendents and supervisors and the business alliance from throughout the state, that will analyze state standardized testing.
"It is with both anticipation and sadness that I inform you that I will retire from the South Brunswick schools," Ms. Spicer said in a letter to Superintendent of Schools Sam Stewart dated Feb. 19. The letter was presented to the school board at Monday’s meeting.
Ms. Spicer, who makes approximately $136,000 a year, will take her remaining 18 vacation days throughout April, May and June to begin her work with the state, her letter of resignation said.
Because Ms. Spicer’s announcement was unexpected, it is unknown how the school board will proceed with finding a replacement, Director of Personnel Mike Lacey said.
"This is new to the board, they haven’t had time to talk about it," he said.
Ms. Spicer’s pending exit from the district means the district will lose three key leaders at the same time.
Superintendent Sam Stewart announced 10 months ago that will retire from his post after 12 years.
In addition, Director of Buildings, Grounds and Transportation John Longo has announced that he will retire effective Sept. 1, after 36 years in the district. Mr. Longo makes $119,660 and will exhaust his remaining vacation days prior to his retirement, Mr. Lacey said.
Ms. Spicer started in the district in 1975 as the assistant principal to South Brunswick High School. She also was principal at Cambridge school and spent a year as acting-principal at the high school, where she worked on curriculum and instructional issues throughout the district.
In her new job, Ms. Spicer will study different ways to assess critical thinking and problem solving skills.
With 27 years of experience in the district, school officials said her retirement will be a great loss.
"It’s a big loss for our district," school board member Carole O’Brien said. "But it’s what she wants to do in her life I can’t say no to that."
Board of Education President Lt. Harry Delgado said that while the roles of Ms. Spicer and Dr. Stewart are key leadership positions, Ms. Spicer’s timing is favorable because the board is in the process of selecting a new superintendent. Once chosen, the superintendent will help work on finding a new assistant superintendent.
"The timing is favorable. The new superintendent can provide feedback about filling the position," said Lt. Delgado, a township police officer.
Ms. O’Brien said it is important for the school board to make what will be a difficult transition an easy one.
"It is important the board makes sure the transition is smooth and the focus is on the education of the children," she said.