New Interim Superintendent Hired To Head Hillsborough Schools

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — A new interim Superintendent of Schools has been appointed to head Hillsborough Schools amid an ongoing investigation into the district's finances.

Effective Aug. 22, Dr. Daniel Fishbein was hired by the Hillsborough Board of Education at the Monday meeting with a salary of $227,500. His contract will continue through June 30, 2023.

Fishbein is a retired Superintendent from Ridgewood Public Schools where he previously served for more than 12 years and in Glen Ridge for nearly seven years. He most recently served as Interim Superintendent at Pascack Valley Regional High School District for one year through July 2022, according to his LinkedIn profile.

Fishbein holds a BA in Geology from the University of Maine, a Masters in Education from Saint Michael’s College, and Ed.D. in Education from Teachers College, Columbia University.

Investigation Update

Board President Paul Marini thanked Dr. Kim Feltre who had been serving as Acting Superintendent after Dr. Lisa Antunes resigned effective May 1 after being on a paid leave of absence for the past four months. Read More: Hillsborough Superintendent Resigns, School Finances Probe Continues

Antunes abruptly announced her leave of absence on Dec. 22, 2021. This was the same time the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office and the Hillsborough Police began investigating the school district's finances. Business Administrator Aiman Mahmoud also abruptly resigned on Dec. 20, 2021. Read More: Prosecutor Investigates Hillsborough School Finances: Report

"The Somerset County Prosecutor's Office investigation is still ongoing. Until they are done with the investigation we will not be providing any more details to the public or basically allowed to," said Marini on Monday.

Permanent Superintendent Search

Marini said the search is ongoing but the board "had a very, very fruitful search and had a very large amount of candidates who have applied."

"The number is in the neighborhood of 50 to 60 qualified applicants," said Marini.

The Board will be conducting interviews with candidates in the next coming months and is hopeful to introduce a new superintendent close to the end of the year.

"We are very excited it is moving forward and it is working as well as it has," said Marini.

The Board previously hired Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates, a professional services consultant for $30,000. Read More: Hillsborough Hires Consultant To Find Next School Superintendent

Monica Brown with Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates gave an update on the search during the June 27 meeting. Read More: Superintendent Search Update, 11 Teachers Leave Hillsborough Schools

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