Should the BOE Re-Evaluate the Need for an Assistant Superintendent?

Dr. Sargent recently resigned her assistant superintendent position for a superintendent slot in Readington. First, I would like to congratulate her and note that while she was here, she developed and implemented the curriculum renewal process (a major accomplishment which certainly benefits all the students of Madison). 

Now the question that comes to mind is what will the BOE decide to do regarding her position?  With a current salary of $154,500 built into the upcoming budget, is there a way to re-examine the job description and also possibly look into using some of that money to restore some teaching positions?  Also has the BOE once again considered a shared services agreement with Harding as a possible scenario? 

I am not saying that we don’t need to replace Barbara; I’m only asking certain questions that I’ve heard many community members discuss very recently. I think there should be some discussion prior to placing an employment advertisement, and I also want to know how the new cap guidelines will affect the salary for the position. 

Is our district (along with several other districts in the state) too top-heavy and spending  too much of our money on administrative positions at the cost of teachers in the classroom?  Can some of the assistant superintendent job responsibilities be shifted to the department heads as an alternative?

Since there is a schedule in place for curriculum renewal, and they are all currently written by teachers and reviewed by the assistant superintendent, can the sign-offs be the department heads and the superintendent instead of the assistant? 

I am also well aware that Barbara is responsible for professional development as well as state testing results.  I believe we could possibly look into sharing some of these responsibilities with other districts.

I find it very intriguing that this is the third-top administrative vacancy that the BOE is filling in just over a year. We also aren't the only district who seems to be struggling with this situation.

Chatham is now looking for a superintendent as well as a Business Administrator. [Note: Chatham in late April hired Dennis Fyffe as interim superintendent. He will mentor Assistant Superintendent Dr. Michael LaSusa to permanently take over the position of superintendent.] What does it all say about the state of education in New Jersey?  Have you written to your legislators and if so were you pleased with the responses you received?  Does it appear that there will be changes made statewide or is it just “politics as usual?" 

The BOE has committed to be more engaged in public communication. What is the public perception of the assistant superintendent vacancy?  I would love to hear it.  Perhaps some BOE members will tune-in as well.  Please share your comments below.