BY PATRICIA KELLER
WEST MILFORD — Daniel Novak, current principal of Upper Greenwood Lake Elementary School, is now the director of Education in the district. He replaces Iris Wechling who retired from the position in May.
The West Milford Board of Education voted Tuesday to approve the appointment of Novak, with Trustee Jim Foody abstaining on the otherwise unanimous vote, stating that he would have liked to have been involved in the interview process. He said the position is the "second most important job in the district" and he would have rather had more input rather than jus that of an appointed committee.
Other changes for 2015-2016With the promotion of Novak to the director of Education slot, the district will be looking to hire a new principal for UGL School. But that is not all.
Former West Milford High School Principal Paul Gorski took over last year as principal of Marshall Hill Elementary School upon the medical leave absence of Principal Mike McCormick. McCormick is now reported to be healthy and ready to return to the helm at Marshall Hill this year. The board then approved a transfer of position for Gorski to return to his former position as high school principal, replacing Interim Principal Fred Hessler; however, the vote for the approval of Gorski’s transfer was not unanimous: Trustees Kevin Babbitt, Stephen Drew, Inga Koeppe, Debbie O’Brien and Marilyn Schultz voted yes; Trustee Greg Bailey voted no; and Trustees James Devor III, Foody, and Rodney Robbins abstained from the vote.
Contracts for top position interim administrators
The board voted unanimously to renew a one-year contract for Interim Superintendent Anthony Riscica while they continue the process of the superintendent search. Riscica will continue to serve as interim superintendent of West Milford Schools at the per diem rate of $644, without health benefits, effective July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016.
It was noted that the state recently voted and approved lifting the superintendent salary cap, but Riscica’s per diem salary was approved remaining under the former cap amount.
Supervisor of Special Services Elizabeth McQuaid was slated to take over as director of Special Education in June, but she welcomed the birth of her healthy baby girl a few weeks earlier than expected, before she could begin her new position. McQuaid is now on extended maternity leave through October. The school board approved the continuation of Interim Director of Special Services Stuart Barudin’s contract at the prorated salary of $151,980, without health benefits, effective July 1, 2015 through Oct. 2, 2015.
Upon the return of McQuaid, Barudin will then swap positions with her: McQuaid will step into the director position, and Barudin will serve as acting supervisor of the Special Services Department until the district fills the position with a permanent employee or until the expiration of Barudin’s two- year interim term in 2016. This change in position for Barudin was approved by the board Tuesday at the prorated salary of $127,500, without health benefits, effective Oct. 5, 2015 through April 30, 2016.
A contract with Bryant, Gemza, Kennoy and Kozlik, LLP was approved for the appointment of Nicholas Del’Re as administrator of the Highlander Academy at the per diem rate of $550, not to exceed $95,000, for five hours per day, without health benefits, effective Sept. 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016. Trustees Foody and Schultz voted no, with Schultz stating that Del’Re was doing a great job, but that it was a lot of money for five hours a day. Devor asked if the amount was reasonable and fair in comparison for the position. Business Administrator/Board Secretary Barbara Francisco said the previous company in that position was two to three times more expensive. Riscica commented that with an administrator in place at the site, he has noticed a dramatic reduction of problems.
What do you think of the changes in the administration at the district? Go to westmilfordmessenger.com and start the conversation.