Schools
Superintendent Search Continues, Interim Hired for Rumson District
The search for a permanent superintendent for the Rumson School District is still on, but salary caps are making filing the position a challenge.
The Rumson School District has hired an interim superintendent until a permanent one is found to replace former Superintendent Scott Feder, whose last day was July 31. Bert Ammerman has been named Interim Superintendent.
According to Board of Education President Colleen O’Connor, Ammerman worked a few days a week for the last two weeks with Feder before his departure. Ammerman is contracted to work for the district a set number of days through October, according to O’Connor, and his contract could be extended if needed.
As for the search for a permanent superintendent, it is progressing, O’Connor told Patch via email. So far, 20 candidates have been interviewed. The firm Leadership Advantage is assisting the district in the candidate search. O’Connor said, “We conducted first and second round interviews with both committee and full board. We will continue to narrow the field to find the best fit for the district.”
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When asked when the district expects to find a permanent replacement, O’Connor said, “I can't commit to when the process will be completed. This is the most important job of the board so it is not to be rushed.”
Former Superintendent Scott Feder in July, after 18 months on the job. He cited the new state salary caps that went into effect in February as his reason for leaving the Rumson School District. Those caps limit the salaries for superintendents, giving maximum salary amounts for superintendents based on student enrollment figures.
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The state salary caps are also influencing the search for a new superintendent, according to O’Connor. “The salary cap on salaries has impacted our search. Our pool would normally contain assistant superintendents and other supervisors whose salaries have exceeded our cap. The cap makes it difficult for us, as well as those looking to advance their career,” said O’Connor.
Ammerman, prior to his current role in the Rumson School District, served as the Interim Superintendent in the Northvale and New Milford School Districts, according to a letter the district sent to parents. He has over 40 years experience in education, according to O’Connor.
