Interim T.R. Super Will Stay On as Search For Schools Chief Continues

Interim Toms River Regional Schools Superintendent Thomas Gialanella will remain at the helm of the district into 2014 as the search for a permanent leader continues.

The Board of Education this week extended the contracts of Gialanella and Interim Assistant Superintendent Marianne Gaffney through June 30, 2014, but included provisions that would allow a new superintendent to take over in the case one is selected before the end of the current school year.

"Both of their contracts were set to expire at the end of the year, and we wanted to be sure we could continue with them," said Board President Ben Giovine. "If we were to select a new superintendent in, let's say, March, we can give Mr. Gialannella 30 days notice."

Giovine said the board has already conducted initial interviews with candidates for the position, and is "still on track to be selecting a new superintendent soon."

But with new board members about to take their seats in January, current board members wanted to ensure that they were part of the final selection process.

"This board recognized that we have incoming board members and they, too, have to be part of the process," said Giovine. "We did some interviews before the new year, and then after the new year we’re going to be revisiting some of those candidates."

Gialanella, in the mean time, will be paid $650 per day worked but will not be entitled to health benefits or paid days off. Gaffney will be paid $500 per day with the same restrictions. Both contracts can be terminated with 30 days notice.