Schools

To the Paramus Community:

I applaud the interests and concerns voiced by members of the Paramus community regarding who will lead the Paramus Public Schools in the future. We all recognize the importance the Superintendent plays in the future of the district and most importantly the children in our charge. This position must be held by the best-qualified person available. My nearly ten year tenure as a Trustee on the Paramus Board of Education has taught me that this position requires knowledge and a variety of skills, including strong and decisive leadership.

Making the decision not to renew the Superintendent’s contract for another three years was not taken lightly, was not made in haste nor does it qualify as a “careless and reckless act.” Discussions began approximately four months ago. The thinking of the Board was that the decision should be made by persons who have worked with the Superintendent for years and not burden a new Board member who has no knowledge or contact with him. Since the law prohibits the discussion of a person’s performance in public, the extent of some Board members concerns cannot be disclosed. Those who have coupled the non-renewal action of the Board with that of the baseball coach are simplifying a much more complex set of concerns.

At the same time, others are citing the improvement in the NJ Monthly school rankings as reason for renewal. While we are all pleased, the improvement is the result of many initiatives which began with the Board, administrative and teacher support initiatives and which were implemented under different leadership. Moreover, the ranking criterion used to judge districts has also been changed and better reflects this district and its offerings; changes which were brought about by local and state organizations that recognized that the criteria were flawed.

Finally, the decision to take the vote to non-renew in December was made following intense discussion. The Board felt that this was fair to the Superintendent allowing him to have adequate time to seek other employment and at the same time permitting the Board time to select a search firm, interview candidates and secure a replacement by July, which is important to the opening of schools in September. While I understand the concerns voiced by some of the members of the public, they have not walked in the shoes of a board member, nor shared the awesome responsibilities associated with the position; a position which should be free from political influences and interference. This Board’s decisions are taken seriously and are not “unintelligent, irresponsible or in any way a form of retribution,” as some may have suggested.

Thank you.

Sheila Criscione

Former Trustee Paramus Board of Education