P'burg, Pethick talk parting ways Superintendent's contract expires in June, but changes could mean earlier exit. Tuesday, November 27, 2007 • By ANDREA EILENBERGER • The Express-Times Discussions are under way that could lead to Phillipsburg School District Superintendent Gordon Pethick leaving the district earlier than June 30, when his contract as the top administrator expires. School board members held a public hearing Monday night to consider changes to Pethick's contract, a step that is required under law. While they were careful not to specify any proposed changes, they indicated that a separation agreement between Pethick and the district is under negotiation. "Whether it's June 30 or sometime sooner," both sides are going to have to move on, board President Paul Rummerfield said after the meeting. Pethick said he preferred to withhold comment on the situation and his future employment plans. "Things are still being looked at," he said. According to a legal notice published Friday, the board will hold a special meeting 6 p.m. Monday concerning various personnel issues, including possible changes to Pethick's contract. Rummerfield said the discussion so far has been mostly between the attorneys. He hopes the sides can reach an agreement before the end of the year. He thinks there is at least a "conceptual agreement" at this point. Pethick has been with the district since 1972, when he was hired as a math teacher, and has been top administrator since 1999. The board cast a divided midnight vote in June not to renew his contract past next June. Officials said then he earned about $143,000 annually in salary and longevity pay. The contract decision followed several disputes at board meetings in the preceding months. Some of the controversial issues included the former labor attorney, a then-expired teachers contract and the public termination of a principal. Pethick has had tenure with the district for 30 years. Monday, Rummerfield said he doesn't think the idea of Pethick leaving early was borne out of animosity. He thinks the sides mutually agreed to at least discuss the idea. Points of discussion include items to which Pethick is contractually entitled, he said. Board attorney Lester Taylor said if the sides reach an agreement, the New Jersey Department of Education commissioner's approval is required. That could take 30 days. Rummerfield said the board hasn't discussed who would step in as superintendent in the event Pethick leaves early. He acknowledged there are a few district employees who could meet standard requirements to temporarily fill the role. The board is planning to meet with representatives of the New Jersey School Boards Association on Dec. 17 to discuss the search for a long-term superintendent. Rummerfield said they haven't yet ironed out just how much support the association will provide. The association offers a comprehensive process that includes advertising and interviewing, but Rummerfield said board members prefer to remain hands-on in the interviewing stages. He said the board hasn't discussed any candidates. "I wouldn't close the door to any qualified candidate," Rummerfield said. Reporter Andrea Eilenberger can be reached at 610-258-7171 or by e-mail at aeilenberger@express-times.com.