Schools
West Orange School Super Resigns, Will Be Paid $130K: BOE
See who the West Orange Board of Education says will assume Jeffrey Rutzky's duties as superintendent.

WEST ORANGE, NJ — As of Saturday at the stroke of midnight, Jeffrey Rutzky will no longer be the Superintendent of the West Orange Public School District.
After holding a special meeting on Friday morning, the West Orange Board of Education announced that its members approved a “separation agreement” ending Rutzky’s tenure in the district. The BOE had recently given the thumbs-up to a new work deal for the superintendent, voting 3-1 to renew Rutzky's contract until 2021 back in March.
- See related article: West Orange BOE Makes Decision On Superintendent Contract
According to the BOE, Rutzky has agreed to “voluntarily resign” from his post at the top of the district’s administration. The BOE wrote:
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“In accordance with the statute N.J.A.C. 6A:23-A-3.2(g), the board will pay Mr. Rutzky three months’ pay, less any applicable withholdings, for each year remaining on his current three-year employment contract. In a letter dated October 17, 2018, the New Jersey Commissioner of Education reviewed and approved the separation agreement pursuant to statute N.J.S.A. 18A:17-20.2a.”
In total, Rutzky will receive about $130,079, a West Orange School District spokesperson said.
The West Orange BOE said Friday that effective “immediately,” Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum Eveny de Mendez will assume the leadership responsibilities of the superintendent.
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The BOE continued:
“The Board of Education is exploring further succession and transition options, and will report on a direction at the November 5 Board of Education meeting. The board appreciates the comments and recommendations of the public, and will pursue avenues to include parent, teacher, administrative and community input and involvement in any superintendent search process and considerations.”
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Photo: West Orange BOE
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