Updated July 2, 2014 2:08 p.m. Updated information is highlighted in italics.
The South Orange-Maplewood Board of Education has begun holding and scheduling focus groups and meetings between various stakeholder groups and the firm running the search process for the new superintendent of schools.
Superintendent Brian Osborne’s last day was June 30. Osborne is leaving the district for a new position as superintendent of schools in New Rochelle, NY. Osborne will be consulting on an as-needed basis only through July. The Board approved a consulting contract for Osborne at its June meeting; the contract is on a per diem basis with no minimum number of days. Acting superintendent Jim Memoli will fill in until an interim superintendent is named no late than September 1.
The district has pledged to involve parents and teachers in the selection process for a new superintendent.
The hiring process takes place at a time of turnover in the district, including the introduction of a new director of curriculum, the resignation of the Maplewood Middle School principal, the search for a new Jefferson School principal, and an election for three new Board of Education members.
Board of Education President Beth Daugherty reports that focus groups with Dr. Leroy Nunery of Hazard, Young & Attea were held for members of the South Orange Maplewood Education Association members last week and will be held again for SOMEA in September. SOMEA is the local teachers union.
As reported previously, a meeting for the special education community is planned for July 10, from 8-9 p.m. at 525 Academy Street.
Daugherty said that administrators met with the search consultant on July 1, the President’s Council has been invited to meet with the consultant on July 10 from 7-8 p.m., and focus groups and open forums will be scheduled all day on Saturday, September 13. Details will follow later this month.
A number of evening sessions will also be held in September, as well as a focus group for Columbia High School students to provide input.
