Schools
Superintendent Search Begins At Bernards Township Schools
The Bernards Township School District is "actively conducting a search" for a new superintendent to replace Nick Markarian, who is retiring.
BASKING RIDGE, NJ — The search is on for a new Superintendent for the Bernards Township School District.
"We are actively conducting a search for a new superintendent," said Board of Education President Jennifer White at the Feb. 23 meeting.
The search began after Nick Markarian announced his retirement after 25 years of working in the district. He is retiring effective Aug. 31.
Find out what's happening in Basking Ridgefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
White said the Superintendent position has been posted and the district is currently collecting applications.
The applications will then be reviewed and narrowed down by the personnel committee to determine the candidates who will be brought in for an interview.
Find out what's happening in Basking Ridgefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
White added that the search process is "an extremely confidential one."
Board Attorney Matthew J. Giacobbe explained that the reason the search process is confidential is that the vast majority of the applicants for this position are currently employed in other districts.
"We can't in any way impede their current employment by revealing the fact that they've applied to us for consideration," said Giacobbe.
A candidate will only be identified if they are chosen by the Board, an offer is made, a contract is negotiated, and that contract has been reviewed and approved by the Executive County Superintendent.
"Once that's done, then the person's identity can be disclosed to the public because they have an approved contract. But up until that time, the board is precluded from revealing any of the candidates who have applied," said Giacobbe.
White added that the Board will continue to provide the public with updates about the process and where they are at subsequent meetings.
"Our goal is to have a new superintendent that we can hire this spring," said White.
Markarian has been with the Bernards Township School District for 25 years. He started his career in Bernards as an assistant principal in 2001.
He moved up to become the school principal at William Annin until he was later appointed as Business Administrator.
In 2012, Markarian was appointed Superintendent to succeed Valerie Goger.
Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
