School Board Puts Preliminary Thought Into Superintendent Search

With the district's superintendent scheduled to retire at the end of June, Toms River Board of Education members have begun to consider how to go about finding the school system's next leader. 

Members heard from a New Jersey School Boards Association representative Monday about how they could move forward through the organization's fee-based search to replace outgoing superintendent Frank Roselli, 61, who submit his letter of retirement last month after suffering a heart attack.

"Everything that we do begins and ends with the board," said Field Service Representative Kathy Winecoff. 

The NJSBA plan, which has several tiers of search involvement ranging in price from $3,500 to $15,00, is not the only option for the board. They can seek out other vendors, and should do that before deciding on how to proceed with the search, said board member Joseph Torrone.

"We should know what our options are," he said. 

The district's most recent superintendent search, following the resignation of disgraced superintendent Michael Ritacco, was done through and online system and no outside firm was hired, according to the board.

As the fourth largest school district in New Jersey, the board members also questioned if they should look into applying for a waiver to exceed the salary cap for superintendents which is set at $175,000. Offering more money could draw in applicants from out of state where higher salaries are offered, according to Winecoff.

Searching for and hiring Roselli's replacement could take over six months, so the district may need to consider hiring an interim superintendent. Roselli is set to leave at the end of June. 

Winecoff said that retired superintendents are typically available to assume interim roles should that be necessary. An "acting" superintendent from within Toms River's administration is also an option. 

Any potential internal candidates should not be given courtesy interviews and should be screened based only on merit like all other applicants, Winecoff said. 

"Then, you're looking at everyone the same," she said, adding that process will help win public confidence in the potential choice. "They were put through the paces just like everyone else."

Despite the Ritacco scandal, Winecoff said that Toms River Regional still has a good reputation. She said that her hope is between 50-60 candidates will apply for the job. 

"I'm sure that you will attract people from everywhere," Winecoff said. "Your district is a very attractive district."