Ridgewood Board Of Education Names Acting Superintendent

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — It's the end of an era in Ridgewood Public Schools, but the Board of Education is looking to the future, as today they've announced the district's new acting superintendent.

Ridgewood High School Principal Thomas Gorman will begin in the role starting Dec. 11, replacing the retiring Daniel Fishbein, who has been the superintendent in Ridgewood for the last 12 years.

A Ridgewood High School graduate, Gorman is in his ninth year as principal of the Village's only high school.

"While we value Dr. Fishbein’s tenure with the Ridgewood School system and wish him the best on his retirement, we must look toward the future and continue the tradition of excellence Ridgewood is known for," said Michael Lembo, Ridgewood Board of Education President.

"With the selection of Dr. Gorman as acting superintendent, we know that tradition will continue, as he has proven to be a forward thinker and a leader of innovation to the district."

Gorman didn't begin his professional career in education, but made the transition after seven years in the business world to teaching history.

"I am humbled and honored to be part of this transition and appreciate the Board of Education's confidence in me," said Gorman. "These are very challenging times, and we have a lot of work ahead of us. But this district, with its faculty, staff and students, is second to none. I look forward to working with the Board of Education, our outstanding educators, and the entire community to accomplish our district's goals."

The times are challenging indeed.

Ridgewood Public Schools have been dealing with the impact of the coronavirus for the duration of this first semester, and in the last two weeks have seen a transition to remote learning for at least six of the district's 10 schools, including Ridgewood High.

Currently, Benjamin Franklin Middle School, Ridgewood High School, Willard Elementary School, Orchard Elementary School and Hawes Elementary School have been closed and transitioned to remote learning.

George Washington Middle School resumed hybrid learning Monday, Nov. 30.

Ridgewood High School Assistant Principals Jeffrey Nyhuis and Basil Pizzuto will manage the daily operations of the high school during the transitional period, the district announced.

Fishbein announced he would retire in September, and the news was met with skepticism and frustration from members of the community, who organized a rally outside the next Board of Education meeting.

His resignation came just months after the district's business administrator, Antoinette Kelly, announced her resignation, effective Dec. 1.

During that September Board of Education meeting, Gorman addressed the board, speaking on what the district would face in the coming months.

"In addition to the education challenges presented this year, the Board of Ed. will be searching for an attorney, architect, business administrator and superintendent," said Gorman.

"These searches will be conducted with impending REA negotiations, and in the middle of a pandemic. The loss of leadership steering the district during this unprecedented time is of great concern."

Now, it seems, the district has entrusted Gorman with replacing at least part of the leadership they've lost.

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