New Schools Chief Hired in West Morris Regional District

The West Morris Regional High School District Board of Education was given a tall task in February when its Superintendent resigned to take the same position in a different town, but less than four months later the administration had appointed a new leader.

The Board of Education announced this week that Michael Ben-David, the current assistant superintendent of schools in Wayne Township, will be the next regional schools chief effective Aug. 10. Current Assistant Superintendent Robert Beers will remain the interim until then.

Ben-David will begin a five-year contract with a base salary of $157,500 annually, which is decided upon by the state-mandated salary cap for superintendents based on district enrollment size.

Ben-David received his bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University, his master’s from the College of St. Elizabeth, and his J.D. from Seton Hall University.

Education is Ben-David’s second career, having spent time working as a litigation associate for Riker, Danzig, Scherer, Hyland & Perretti.

“[Ben-David] truly showed a passion about education during the interview process,” board president Gary Lakritz said. “He works to build strong teams in the district, has an excellent demeanor and is well-equipped for this position.”

The board’s vote was unanimous in the hiring of Ben-David, and while the move was made quickly, never felt pressured to put a permanent chief in place prior to the start of the school year, and felt comfortable keeping an interim in place for as long as needed.

Ben-David will be the third full-time superintendent in the district in the last decade.