Firm Chosen to Lead Toms River's Superintendent Search

Toms River Board of Education members have selected a firm to lead its superintendent search. 

Current superintendent Frank Roselli announced in March that he will retire effective June 30 because of health concerns. Hazard, Young, Attea and Associates, based in Illinois, will conduct a nationwide search for his replacement. 

"They'll be recruiting from far and wide," said board President Ben Giovine after members voted on using the firm — one of four considered for the job — following an executive session Thursday. 

The school district will pay $19,500 for the service, according to Business Administrator William Doering. Some other fees may be paid by the district, such as placing advertisements for the position. 

Roselli, 61, announced his retirement in late-March after suffering a heart attack early that month. He said that he has been "blessed" to have been an educator for the past 40 years, 32 of which were spent in Toms River. 

Hazard, Young, Attea and Associates, which has a regional office in Jersey City, was selected because the firm is "ahead in terms of offering community input," Giovine said.

Also considered for the search were the New Jersey School Boards Association, Ray and Associates and Leadership Advantage. 

The firm will solicit input on what type of candidate the district needs from the board, members of the public, school staff, and administrators. An initial part of the search includes setting aside four days dedicated to meeting with the community. 

"That is just to get more input into the kind of candidates they're looking for," Giovine said. 

A NJSBA representative said that, despite the scandal involving disgraced former superintendent Michael Ritacco, Toms River Regional still has a good reputation and should expect between 50-60 candidates to apply for the job. 

"I'm sure that you will attract people from everywhere," said NJSBA Field Service Representative Kathy Winecoff when she spoke to board members about the search last month. "Your district is a very attractive district."

The firm, though based in Illinois does have local representation, also will be able to offer post-hiring support for whoever is hired as Toms River's new superintendent. 

"When we do decide on a final candidate, they will still be here to help transition that candidate into the position, and transition that candidate into the community and working with the staff," Giovine said.

"I think that's very important because this district is so large and so unique. The person we hire will be able to come in and get on the ground running."

The district's most recent superintendent search, following Ritacco's resignation, was completed through an online system and no outside firm was hired, according to the board. Roselli was appointed to the job, after serving for over eight years as an assistant superintendent. 

The board anticipates completing the search and screening process within about four to six months. Hiring a new superintendent around December of January could provide for an easier entrance to Toms River. 

"It gives whoever gets the job the opportunity to transition during the holiday break," Giovine said. "It's a good time of year to transition."

Advertisements for interim superintendent and interim assistant superintendent — Joseph Pizza is leaving that role as of June 30 — have been posted and applications have been received. The board anticipates hiring candidates for those positions in the summer months before the new school year begins. 

"We'd need someone to step in as soon as possible," Giovine said. "We want to make sure the district is maintaining it's efficiency."

Because they have relatives employed within the school district, board members Tom Baxter and Ed Gearity are excluded from the superintendent search.