Board expects to interview
6 candidates, narrow number to 2 or 3 then have forum.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008 • By ANDREA EILENBERGER •
The Express-Times
PHILLIPSBURG | Phillipsburg School
Board members held their first interview Monday in the search
for a new top administrator.
Board President Paul Rummerfield
said board members plan to interview six candidates. The first
round of interviews is expected to conclude May 20. After that,
Rummerfield said, board members will likely evaluate those six
candidates and narrow the number to two or three candidates for
a second interview.
Some time after that, the board
will likely have a public forum with the finalists, although those
details have not yet been discussed.
"It was a good mix," Rummerfield
said of all the candidates.
The New Jersey School Boards Association
is assisting board members with the search. The board recently
met with NJSBA to discuss a number of candidates who applied for
the district's administrative vacancy.
Rummerfield said the candidates
had a range of experience and included former superintendents,
assistant administrators and some with experience in urban schools.
Acting Superintendent George Chando is the only internal candidate,
Rummerfield said.
The board is seeking to replace
Gordon Pethick, who left the district in January.
NJSBA representatives earlier this
year met with board members, district faculty and staff and the
community to discuss the qualities and qualifications the district's
new chief administrator should have.
Strong communication skills, a
solid understanding of Phillipsburg and the sending districts,
focus on curriculum and excellent educational leadership are a
few areas that have been identified as important.