Board of Education Welcomes New Superintendent

The Montville Township Board of Education officially approved the hiring of new superintendent Dr. Paul Fried during a special meeting on Thursday, July 1.

Board president Dr. Karen Cortellino welcomed Dr. Fried at the beginning of the meeting before opening the floor to public participation.

"We believe that Dr. Fried will be a strong, calming factor on the district," she said.  "It was clear from our interviews that the other candidates would have to live up to the standard he set."

Dr. Fried, who accepted the job in February, was pleased to officially begin his tenure.

"It's a relief to finally be here," he said. "Between here and my old district, it felt like I had two jobs."

Dr. Fried served as superintendent for the Mamaroneck, NY school district before accepting the opening in Montville.  He is replacing interim superintendent Rita Seipp.

The board also approved a continuation of Dr. Frank Calabria's service as interim principal of Montville Township High School. His term currently lasts until August 31, 2010.

"Dr. Calabria has graciously agreed to work with us over the summer," Dr. Fried said. "He is willing to stay beyond that."

Dr. Fried made a point to stress that, while he is pleased that Dr. Calabria decided to stay, finding a new principal is a top priority.

"My first goal is to find an excellent person to fill this position," he said. "It is very important to me to bring stability. I have been doing a search, done some screening interviews, and I hope to form a committee to interview possible candidates."

At this time, there is no firm date for when a new principal can be expected.

"It's really up to Dr. Fried," Dr. Cortellino said. "I am confident he will bring in the best candidate."

Dr. Calabria has served as interim principal of the high school for a year.

Montville High School Spanish teacher Rosa Przetak was pleased at the Board's decision to keep Dr. Calabria on board.

"He doesn't act like an interim principal," she said. "He cares about the kids. He supports the faculty and staff. Even if they find a new principal, I would like to have him back to advise the new hire."

The board also approved the hiring of Clifton resident Karen Chase to serve as an administrative consultant through August 31, 2010. According to Dr. Fried, Chase's hiring is to provide him with support in the main office while he continues to work on his staff appointments.

The meeting began with a closed session that lasted for an hour before opening to the public.

The next board of education meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 13.