New Supers, New Approaches, New Ideas -- At Least That's the Theory

The Christie administration's controversial caps on school superintendent salaries last year helped create an exodus of district leaders out of state, as well as a few legal challenges.

But drawing less attention has been the changing face of superintendent searches and hires.

The state's School Boards Association is reporting that its work in assisting districts with superintendent searches is seeing the expected drop in experience in those seeking to fill the vacated positions.

But according to Jane Kershner, director of field services for the association, the relaxed standards also afford a chance for new talent, with its presumably new approaches and ideas, to take leadership jobs, a point espoused by Gov. Chris Christie in imposing the caps in the first place.

"There seems a buzz of excitement where that next level is seeing the opportunity to move up," said Kershner, whose office assists in about two-thirds of superintendent searches at a given time. "In a way, it's reenergized the field."

Those same searches have also drawn a noticeable increase in the number of applicants, she said, especially in south and central New Jersey where the caps have had a less severe effect on salaries.

Middle Management
"More people from middle management are seeing this as an opportunity to move up," said Kershner. "They are seeing opportunities they never have before."

Some might say that this opportunity comes with the risk that less qualified people are moving into these high-stakes positions.

Where districts once required superintendent experience, now it is often a preference. Some are drawing the line at candidates at least having been principals or in other supervisory posts. This is the case with current job postings in Plainfield and Old Bridge, for example.

The state’s superintendents’ association, which has strenuously opposed the caps, is among those that have expressed worry about the drain of experience and talent.

"The jury is still out,” said Anne Gallagher, the association’s communications director. “It is extremely early in this new process to make an informed and intelligent assessment of the situation.

“History can demonstrate an experienced superintendent brings to the table a wealth of leadership skills with a track record that will maintain and improve the high quality of academic standards within a district."

Continue reading this story in NJ Spotlight.

NJ Spotlight is an issue-driven news website that provides critical insight to New Jersey’s communities and businesses. It is non-partisan, independent, policy-centered and community-minded.