Hackensack School District hosts community forum for superintendent searchFriday, June 21, 2013
BY JENNIFER VAZQUEZ
NEWS EDITOR
Hackensack Chronicle
HACKENSACK — The Hackensack School District hosted a community forum regarding the superintendent search that is currently underway.
Richard Marasco, right, and Jan Furman — both from the Leadership Advantage search firm — gathered suggestions, concerns, and questions residents had regarding the current search process for a new district leader at a community forum on June 12. TOM HART/PHOTO
The forum, on June 12, was scheduled to give residents an opportunity to voice any questions or concerns they may have about the hiring of a new superintendent — as well as a chance to aid in the search process by providing insight as to what the community is looking for in a district leader. Two representatives from Leadership Advantage — the search firm that was hired to assist in narrowing down the pool of candidates — were present to gather information and speak to those present.
"We want to listen to your voices," Assistant Superintendent Rosemary Marks said. "We want to listen to your questions and concerns."
Richard Marasco, representative for Leadership Advantage, further added, "We are here today because we want to know Hackensack better."
He continued, "What do you like about the school system here? What don’t you like? What do you want to see in the next superintendent?"
According to Marasco, the information gathered will be "part of a public document — a blue print for the board, district, school administrators, and [the firm] in order to go forward [with the search]."
Marasco also explained how the search and candidacy pool for the superintendent position changed throughout the years.
"Before we used to have about 100 people interested in a superintendent position," Marasco said. "That is not the case anymore. The pressure that comes with the position has decreased the candidacy pool. Salary caps imposed by the state have dramatically changed and play a part in less people applying [for a superintendent position]."
Resident Andrew Wright, who has two children in the Hackensack Public School system, was present during the forum. He voiced his desire for someone who will be at the helm of the district for the long-haul.
"We need someone who has staying power," Wright said. "Someone who won’t feel the pressure and go right through the door….we need someone who is, probably, not close to retirement."
Marasco noted that Wright’s point is a common concern throughout the community and among the district’s educational staff. Over an approximate span of five years, the district has seen two superintendents — Edward Kliszus and Raymond Gonzalez — come and go before current interim Superintendent Joseph Abate was appointed on November 2011.
According to resident Ojetta Townes, an individual who understands the diversity within the student population is another matter of importance.
"We need someone who understands the diverse needs of our community," she said. "How can one implement the needs of our children while taking into consideration all the factors — cultural, racial, and economical — of our community."
Adding to the comment, resident Blanche Stuart said that an individual who focuses on all levels of the education spectrum is of significance as well.
"We have a great [Advanced Placement] curriculum, and we have special education, but what happens to the kids in the middle," she asked. "We need a leader who can focus on all the levels — not just AP and special education."
The need, and want, for someone with an "open-door" policy who is willing to address the concerns of parents was also brought up during the forum.
According to Wright, a keen focus on preparing students for the workforce should be a main goal of the next superintendent.
"One of the many challenges schools face is preparing children for the workforce," he said. "How can you prepare our children if you are preparing them for [New Jersey Assessment of Skills and Knowledge exam]? I think schools are lacking in up-to-date technology."
Stuart advised for the district to expand their search.
"We need to expand the pool of candidates," she said. "It is important to get someone committed."
Though Jan Furman, representative for Leadership Advantage, agreed with the notion of broadening the search, she did mention that there could be some slight conflicts when someone is brought in from out-of-state.
"There will be nuances with [New Jersey’s] Department of Education if you get someone from out of state," Jan Furman, representative for Leadership Advantage said. "But sometimes you do have to expand the pool."
Once the search comes to an end and a candidate has been named the next superintendent, he or she will take the position come November.
Email: vazquez@northjersey.com