P'burg, Pethick agree on exit Superintendent to leave post early. State must approve arrangement that includes $167,000 compensation. Tuesday, December 04, 2007 • By ANDREA EILENBERGER • The Express-Times PHILLIPSBURG | Phillipsburg School Board members voted Monday to part ways with district Superintendent Gordon Pethick sooner than expected, but not without a price. Board attorney Lester Taylor estimated Pethick would receive about $167,000 under an arrangement that covers unpaid salary, sick and vacation days. The early separation can't happen without the authorization of New Jersey Commissioner of Education Lucile Davy and that approval could take 30 days. A written copy of the deal Pethick and the board reached through their attorneys was not provided to the public Monday night. After board members cast a divided vote approving the deal, Pethick reflected on his district career that could end Dec. 31. His eyes beginning to tear, Pethick said he's proud of the district and his tenure. Ultimately both he and the district will move forward in positive directions, he said. "I'll be somewhere and I'll be in education because I really believe in it," Pethick said. Board members in June in another divided vote opted not to renew Pethick's contract past June 30. 'No golden parachutes' Board President Paul Rummerfield said Pethick will receive what is contractually due to him but there aren't any "golden parachutes" in the agreement. Pethick earns about $143,000 annually in salary and longevity pay. Rummerfield thinks it is best for both sides to move on, citing Pethick's lame duck status. He said the district can have a new administrative team in place by September. If they need to fill Pethick's position temporarily, board members plan to first consider internal candidates and then look outside the district if necessary. They will meet with the New Jersey School Boards Association on Dec. 17 to discuss the long-term superintendent search and will likely talk about the potential interim situation. "I don't know that the district is gaining anything having him leave early," board member Christopher Wittmann said after the meeting. Board member Steve Zarbatany said he feels board members have "beaten (Pethick) down for the past six months." Still he wants Pethick to continue working. "Dr. Pethick, even though I like you very much, I'm not going to pay for you to take a vacation," Zarbatany said. Concern over cost Zarbatany contends the situation could cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, which sparked loud disagreement from board member Kevin DeGerolamo. DeGerolamo said the district won't be on the hook for such a large amount and the claim would mislead the public. Zarbatany and former board member Irene Weller said they think Pethick's departure will adversely affect the battle for a new high school and relations with sending districts. Rummerfield said he doesn't think the new high school -- which the state previously promised but failed to fund -- will be jeopardized. The fight will continue and there are many other capable people still involved, he said. Pethick joined the district as a math teacher in 1972 and he's been superintendent since 1999. Pethick said the good things that have happened in the district happened because of the good people around him. He spoke proudly of several programs, including a literacy initiative, that he's seen progress during his tenure. "I thank the people of Phillipsburg for entrusting their district to me," Pethick said. Reporter Andrea Eilenberger can be reached at 610-258-7171 or by e-mail at aeilenberger@express-times.com.