Who Wants To Be A High School Principal?

1. We can only hope that this news will soon be followed up with:
   “Who Wants To Be A Superintendent?”
   Because the current one has proved time and time again that he is not up to the challenge.
   When is his contract up?

2. I don’t understand why this search was not an ongoing thing. Why did they stop looking? It makes no sense. I agree with prof. Next!

3. The district will advertise in local, tri-state, and trade publications. We will also use our professional contacts — such as the Minority Student Achievement Network, District Management Council, Tri-State Consortium, and others — to seek out the best possible candidates.
   Sounds like a big waste of time and money. They could probably get just as good a pool of candidates by simply placing an ad on Craigslist.

4. I think they should create a reality show called, “Who Wants to Be a High School Principal?” and how people tryout like just they do for “American Idol” and “So You Think You Can Dance.” The audience can then text in their answers.

5. Montclair has 11 school principal positions with maybe a half dozen more vice principals. I wonder why the Superintendent has not developed this bench of potential candidates to enable promoting into the vacancy? Is organizational development a part of his management goals? Hiring from within is more cost effective, promotes performance and provides program continuity. As personnel costs are the overriding budget item, shouldn’t OD metrics be set by the BOE and published annually – next to the merit raises. Lastly, what should I infer about the quality of the exisitng principals?

6. In my business, we would never dream of hiring a new employee during these rough economic times. Someone leaves and that person’s workload gets divided up by everyone else. Or perhaps someone gets a promotion. But the cost of bringing in someone new is too high. Then again, my company answers to stockholders. The Montclair Board of Education answers to…mmm, I guess nobody.

7. And then they can do a sequel, “Dancing with the Principals.” The person who dances best with Cloris Leachman gets the job!

8. “In my business, we would never dream of hiring a new employee during these rough economic times. Someone leaves and that person’s workload gets divided up by everyone else.”
   Nonsense. If you were missing a key person, you’d hire if necessary.
   The High School needs a principal.

9. Nobody is saying the high school doesn’t need a principal. But why can’t one of the 10 Assistant Superintendents making almost $200,000 year do the job? Or how about bumping up a Principal from one of the Middle schools? Is ANYONE considering this?

10. You’re right ROC. I guess I just like to imagine that I’m irreplaceable. But I do agree with his grace.

11. They cannot simply appoint someone to the job — it has to be opened up to applicants.
    however I too am hard put to understand why none of the current principals or vice-principals was deemed an acceptable candidate.
    Unless, of course, none of them wanted the job.

12. Further, “An interview committee comprised of a representative sample of parents, students, and staff will interview potential candidates.” If they go this route, then the Superintendent should make this committee a permanent advisory body and fill this committee accordingly to evaluate performance, review succession plans, and set objective metrics.
    As currently proposed, it might be construed as a one-off CYA creation lacking any transparency in it’s make-up.

13. Planning and management seem to be in pretty short supply in the district. They did try bringing Mel Katz up from the district and that did not work out too well. Getting new outside blood is not a bad thing. Keep in mind current top management was part of the local school system before leaving and coming back.
    Now does anyone who knows the job think they would want the job? Can you imagine dealing with Montclair parents – some 3200 of them? Anyone that deals with cleints and customers knows what managing peoples expectations can be like. I agree that a good leader commands the respect of students and parents alike, but make no mistake, this is a DAUNTING job.
    If I had my wish Dr; Weiss would be hired to look for someone JUST LIKE HERSELF. She has it figured out in my view and I for one will miss her, and my Sophmore HS student daughter will as well.

14. The following is PUBLIC INFORMATION-
    I’m not saying we shouldn’t pay our educators well but the following all work in the DISTRICT OFFICE. My personal favorite is the business admin at $150k!
    DISTRICT OFFICE ALVAREZ FRANK $205,793 Chief School Administrator/Dist Superintendent
    MONTCLAIR DISTRICT OFFICE SULLIVAN DANA $150,593 School Business Administrator
    MONTCLAIR DISTRICT OFFICE TRIGG SCALES IDA $153,408 Asst Superintendent Non-Business
    DISTRICT OFFICE PRYOR JEANNE $150,132 Asst Superintendent Non-Business
    MONTCLAIR DISTRICT OFFICE SCAGLIOTTI JAMES $136,659 Director Stud Pers Srv
    DISTRICT OFFICE DABNEY BRUCE $117,580 Assist Principal HS
    DISTRICT OFFICE DAY MARIE $93,632 School Social Worker
    DISTRICT OFFICE DEL GUERCIO ANDREA S $75,253 School Business Administrator
    DISTRICT OFFICE LAWRENCE III THEODORE $116,394 Assist Prin. Middle School
    DISTRICT OFFICE LAWRENCE III THEODORE $116,394 Assist Prin. Middle School
    MONTCLAIR DISTRICT OFFICE MORIARTY JOAN $115,225 Supervisors Mathematics
    MONTCLAIR DISTRICT OFFICE NARCISO MARIA $117,950 Supervisors Spec Project
    MONTCLAIR DISTRICT OFFICE PATTERSON JAMES B $149,980 Asst Superintendent Non-Business
    MONTCLAIR DISTRICT OFFICE ROSS REBECCA $109,184 Supervisors Special Ed
    MONTCLAIR DISTRICT OFFICE WASILAK SUSAN $93,632 School Psychologist
    MONTCLAIR DISTRICT OFFICE WUENSCH JEAN R $109,684 Supervisors Curriculum & Instruction

15. Why in the world would the BOE discontinue their principal search. I, for one, thought that it was ongoing. Was the plan really to keep the interim principal in place until the Super could make his getaway? Was her job to keep the lid on everything? So, only after it came to light that the interim was being paid $3,750 per week, for part time work, has she decided that she could not remain for another year. Did the BOE even know that she was only working part time-probably not. And what’s with our Super leaving on all these trips. Three weeks ago, he was down in Orlando, some seminar or something. Last week he was off to San Francisco, another seminar. Damn, in these hard times, we cannot afford to send our Super on seminars, at a cost to the taxpayers. Damn we do not have any money, so, Dr. Alvarez, please stop spending our money like it is yours.

16. “please stop spending our money like it is yours. ”
    I think the problem is they spend and spend because it isn’t there money.
    Do other area high school have the layers of school management that MHS has, such as the 4 assistant principals?

17. The main office needs to be streamlined. Read: Cut positions and consolidate responsibilities.
    Seems like the high school is a little top-heavy, too.
    It is budget time, folks, and everything needs to be on the table. Including some of these cushy jobs over there on Orange Road.

18. To be fair, MHS is a big school–bigger than the surrounding high schools. Having the 4 assistant principals might (MIGHT) be justified–but in answer to another poster’s question, I don’t think any of them or any of the middle school principals would be up to the task of running the high school. Fresh, outside blood could be a very good thing.
    When they look at the school budget, they need to slash funds for professional development for the district staff (not teachers)–that should take care of boondoggles to Orlando, SF, China, etc.

19. having gone through the montclair public school system very recently, I can say that the 4 assistant principals ARE necessary. There is one assigned to each grade and follow that class through their high school career. Well, there is a designated Freshman AP, then sophmore year, the class is assigned a AP who continues on with them until they graduate. I also went to glenfield and had Dr. Katz as a principal there. He was amazing. At the high school, he really improved they way things went. For example, freshman weren’t allowed off campus for lunch before him. He made it so that freshman also had the open campus that the upperclassman enjoyed. This made freshman not ditch school as much and actually increased class attendance. Before, freshman had to sneak off campus if they wanted to go out to lunch.
    Personally, I think Don Hoffman would have made a GREAT high school principal, but he retired. Ed Lebida is also a good choice. Maybe Alex Anemone over at glenfield would make a great addition to the MHS AP’s.

20. Under the present circumstances, I’m would agree with the BOE bringing in fresh talent (I prefer over blood) in this instance. However, if this is the ongoing succession plan for the HS principal’s position, then we should expect to continue paying a hefty premium over market averages. If the other principals are not promotable by the BOE, then, yes, we should severely cutback their training and development. Many of the other, stronger principals will leave the Mtc system anyway to progress in their careers, so our ROI on these costs will, by definition, be marginalize.
    I have found a “fresh talent” strategy is typically part of an overall change plan that addresses a near-term need until systemic changes can be effected. I hope such a plan exists.
    Finally, whether gov’t, ngo or for profit, demanding customers are never the problem – they are the opportunity unmet.

21. Who wants to be a Director of Economic Development?
    Montclair is hiring.
    Following the mayors recent trip to DC it appears that the council will need someone to handle the “meat and potatoes” coming in from Washington. The only question is what does the town manager do?
    From MTCnjusa website:
    Job Opening: Director of Economic Development
    The Township of Montclair seeks a Director of Economic Development. Reporting directly to the Township Manager/CEO, the Director of Economic Development will also interact heavily with the Township Council, the community at large, various business and community groups, individual businesses and development companies and other stakeholders in Montclair.
    The Director of Economic Development will play a key role in advancing Montclair’s identity as a progressive, diverse, sustainable, and arts-oriented community and in the branding, marketing, and development of the community. The Director of Economic Development will represent the community to entities interested in locating in Montclair and assist in that process.Planning and aiding the development of significant properties in the heart of Montclair which have recently come on the market will be an exciting responsibility for the Director of Economic Development in shaping the community’s future
    Successful experience in and knowledge of traditional governmental economic development activities is preferred. Experience in marketing, communications, business development, real estate development, or similar endeavors is desirable.
    Competitive salary and outstanding benefits.
    Send resume with cover letter to: Human Resources Department, Township of Montclair, 205 Claremont Avenue, Montclair, N.J. 07042.
    The Township of Montclair is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

22. Thank you to ‘My Grace’ for exposing the many high salaries at the center of this mess. And it is a mess.
    With due respect to parkterrgirl4eva, it sounds like the 4 AP’s have some sort of guidance role. As teaching staff aren’t assigned by grade, it sounds like the AP’s don’t manage the teaching staff. This is news to me, though it may explain the HS’s somewhat strong department structure. For those of you unfamiliar it’s almost like a University. University Departments are responsible, but rarely accountable for the quality of their instruction. There are certainly fabulous (astonishing and we are all grateful) teachers. But there are also some quite poor teachers and really no sensible way to address their performance.
    If all this is true, then the HS needs 3 fewer AP’s and a better organized guidance office.
    Even if all this is false, the HS and the district need a serious look at structure and a real slimming down.

23. Get over yourselves. The highschool needs a new principal and the administration is dealing with it. Although clearly you all are more experienced and certified to deal with such a problem…

24. Get over yourselves. The highschool needs a new principal and the administration is dealing with it. Although clearly you all are more experienced and certified to deal with such a problem…

25. Please don’t ask Dr. Anemone to move from Glenfield to MHS. He’s doing a good job at Glenfield after several years of not-so-good administrators there.

26. Director of Economic Development? You have got to be kidding me!!
    I’m going to pay for someone to market/promote vacant space in town? Helloooo, isn’t that a job for the realtor’s, business brokers and property owners?
    I realize that ratables are involved, but do we really need to create a full time, permanent position?
    Ask Plofker and Grabowski ( and who ever owns the old Volvo site) to fund this position, as they have a significant, vested interest in attracting new tenants/businesses.

27. Dear Living,
    Until recently the Economic Development tasks of the town were the responsibility of a (mostly) volunteer group, the Montclair Economic Development Corporation. The group did receive some money from the township ($40K annual) but for the most part volunteers — executives familiar with finance and real estate — surved on a board whose function was to advise the town on these issues.
    Each board member brought outstanding experience and expertise to the position, and gave selflessly to the town for years.
    The group was perpetually under financed ($40K doesn’t go very far) and had to spend much of its time fund raising.
    So a decision had to be made, for the town to keep the existing funding, increase it, perhaps double it, or do something else.
    The decision was made to bring the position in house.
    Although I may not agree with that in-house decision, the need for economic development is undeniable.
    Serious attention must be paid to working with developers, for example. And balancing the needs of development, i.e. the need for the development to be sensitive to needs of the town. Residential development must be balanced with our ability to support it with services, for example. Yet at the same time we need to recognize the OPPORTUNITY the developers represent (HINT: look around in NJ and see where all the cranes and construction are. HINT: there isn’t any. But there is interest in Montclair, and we must respond to that interest).
    In times of trouble, investment in such things as Economic Development is even more important. Towns around the state, and around the country, are investing in the function, and competing with Montclair.
    The hiring of a single person is reasonable. The existing staff is not in a position to handle the additional work that needs to be done.
    Cary Africk
    2nd Ward Councilor

28. Cary,
    Could you provide a list of cuts and reductions your council has made?

29. Our stop sign on our corner was replaced with a brand new one yesterday. The old one worked perfectly fine. We are not in a busy area so drivers rarely ran this stop sign. I didn’t even know that stop signs were replaced unless they were damaged from an accident. Seems like a waste of money to replace that sign that looks identical to the one that was there.

30. Cary,
    You know the MEDC was found by a judge to be unlawfully funded right? It was a group of Remsen supporters, friends and cronies who who 40k annually as compensation for electoral support. Why are you trying to make it sound like a legit organization. The town already dropped 100k defending the validity of the MEDC and lost.

31. Yankees,
    The contract had been given under a method known as “extraordinary services.”
    The courts seemed to think this was an inappropriate method to contract.
    Under this council, we proposed putting the MEDC contract out to bid, i.e. a different way that was perfectly acceptable and cleared that proposal method with the state.
    Say what you want about the group. It was valuable. The only debate was the method of contracting, IMHO.
    I don’t want to get into a debate about what they did or didn’t do, but I’d be glad to discuss whether one thinks an economic development group, internal or external, is worthwhile. What do you think?

32. Cary,
    You have already made your decision that an in house person is going to be hired. Im not going to be patronized by engaging in a conversation regarding a matter you have already decided.

33. Well, ROC, we all know you should really be asking how much more of an increase in spending we’ll see this year. It is Montclair after all.

34. at this point gurl, I’m looking for anything, anything at all. And edict that staplers need to last 4 years before replacement or a cancellation in our subscription of “Town and Taxes – The Journal of Township Management”. Anything.
    I will say, though, it is gratifying that in this time of economic crisis and job loss, Obama can still manage to scrape together a billion dollars to give to Hamas.

35. Yankees,
    Yes, a decision has been made. I wasn’t asking to debate in house vs. outside. I was asking whether you thought an economic development function was worthwhile. Thx,
    Cary

36. So a decision had to be made, for the town to keep the existing funding, increase it, perhaps double it, or do something else.
    Cary can’t even bring himself to say the word “cut”!
    The decision was made to bring the position in house.
    In these tough economic times, the town steps up to the plate and makes the tough choice–to increase head count. I’m sure, though, it’s very necessary.

37. I’m not sure the reality of the economic crisis has hit our town council yet. Or the BOE. In Japan’s lost decade – we are pretty much in a similar but even worse balance sheet crisis- property values fell about 87%. I suspect it would take something that drastic for our town leaders to seriously look at spending. Not the occasional one off for a repair, or needed traffic signs, or the unexpected or etc – but the real nitty gritty annual operating budgets that mushroom every year. You’re right ROC, even how long one can keep a staple. How does the BOE get away with it? How do they get waivers to have increases above state spending caps? Can you imagine what we’ll be spending in operating costs when the new school is actually up and running?

38. Cary, to answer your question on whether econ dev is worthwhile, for the 2009 tax year I would say, no. Cut it. Call it a one-year moratorium after which the issue will be revisited. That would save $40k and the town wouldn’t have to pay full salary plus benefits, as it will now.

39. ROC, a proud graduate of the “when did you stop beating your wife” school of rhetoric, gave nary a peep in when the Bush administration sent 85 millions to Gaza. To be distributed, as would be this money, by NGOs and the UN.
    Personally, I think that given the current state of the US economy, aid to Gaza should be sharply curtailed or even eliminated until things get better.
    But unlike ROC, I’d prefer to make my argument using facts rather than propoganda.

40. The new school may not be so bad after all. Especially if only partially completed. Hobo town needs to be somewhere….
    The Trillion dollar “stimulus”. Congressional leaders want to increase the “regular” us budget to 410 billion (an 8% increase in a deflationary environment). New posts at the township level…
    At least we’re going to go out with a bang…

41. 85 million / 1 billion, what’s the dif? eh cro?

42. Oh I see.
    So your issue is the amount, not the “Hamas” connection.
    So you’d be fine if Obama sent only 85 million.
    To “Hamas”.
    Glad we cleared that up.

43. Thanks for the comments folks. I will think this through again and recommend that others do so too.
    The challenge I have is that I see “empty” space. Buildings that could be bringing in tax revenue. And I think that if we had some people who could devote full time to find solutions it would be worthwhile.
    The empty buildings represent hundreds of thousands in potential tax revenue. I personally am trying to do my “own” economic development and will continue to do so.
    Thanks to all for taking this seriously, and for your advice!
    By the way, at last night’s BOE meeting there were some VERY serious talks about cutting people and salaries.
    But I do agree, the impact of this financial calamity has yet to hit Montclair fully, and there are many denying its reality.
    Cary Africk

44. I’m glad to hear we’ve moved from serious talk to “VERY serious talk” in reducing spending.

45. No cro it’s both. And I didn’t like Bush’s money to Gaza either. Let’s put it this way, a billion will make possible 12 times as many Ketusha Rockets.

46. So, let me get this right, the same guy who disbanded the volunteer PAWS for an expensive in house alternative now thinks it’s a good idea to disband the volunteer MEDC for an in house alternative?

47. You may not have liked “Bush’s money” (I thought it was OURS?) to Gaza.
    But I’ll bet $900 million you didn’t say that Bush was sending money to “Hamas”.
    you did say it about Obama, however.
    I wonder why that is.

48. Dear Right,
    Watch the tape. You’ll see what I mean by “very serious.”
    It was very out in the open.
    Cary

49. so, let me get this right, we have some existing staff working on economic development, right? Did they work in tandem w/ MEDC or on their own “stuff”? (’cause that seems to be the way things “don’t” get done around here, everyone working at cross purposes)
    If we are hiring a full timer won’t that increase town expenses by 3 or 4 times what we were contributing to MEDC? (3 X 40K = 120K in salary plus another “whatever” for benefits?) (no one has suggested the salary will be 120k, but based on the numbers Teller posted for BOE it seems like everyone on the Township’s payroll makes close to or well over 100K)
    With regards Developers ie impact, density, new construction, can’t we control that once and for all by ordinance? How many more buildings could possibly go up in town? I’m not seeing alot of wide open space around here.
    As far as the existing empty spaces go, landlord’s and developer’s need to get a clue, the days of $29 sf are over. We just leased new office space and got the landlord to reduce the rate by $6 sf.

50. Where is the tape available for viewing? Does it air on our local channel and if so when? ROC and Walleroo, I’d be happy to supply popcorn and wine if you’d like to join me in watching what has got to be an entertaining event.

51. Wait, I am sending in my resume right now for this position. I really feel I would be a great addition to the team. I have great people skills and never a bad word to say about the ‘Clair.
    I am looking for $250K plus benefits and bonus. After all I have to pay my taxes…

52. Really Cary? I’m all flushed with anticipation. Dare I hope for a drop from 8 Substance abuse counselors to 7?
    I know where they could save $50 million right of the bat with no reductions in staff.

53. By decree of the NJ state legislature, the correct job title is now “Student Assistance Coordinators” rather than “Substance Abuse Counselors”.
    Please get your redundant position titles straight.

54. Name the time and place, jerseygurl.
    Also, I feel it’s important to express my appreciation to Cary for sticking his neck out here.

55. Cary,
    I appreciate your time and effort to regularly post here and hope you continue to add your insights and context to the discussions. While you don’t represent my ward, you are the providing me a service that the other Councilors would do well to emulate. Maybe Bnet could structure a monthly thread by topic that is themed along a “talk back to your Council”
    Regardless, thank you.

56. Montclair Times, February 3, 2009:
    “The town council unanimously approved $15,000 payment to the MEDC for services related to the transition of economic development activities to the municipality”.
    “The council unanimously authorized introduction and approval of $410,000 2009 budget for the Montclair Center Special Improvement District.”

57. teller,
    The $15,000 was for the MEDC to close out its books and wind up its affairs. They are a corporation and couldn’t just walk away from the legal obligation. They were really never sure of what was going to happen.
    The $410,000 is not the town’s money. The money is for the Business Improvement District and is raised by a levy on the business owners. The BID just passes their budget by the Council so we can keep an eye on it.
    Cary Africk

58. “By the way, at last night’s BOE meeting there were some VERY serious talks about cutting people and salaries.”
    I just hope that the cutting starts with administration and sports. Not the real mandate here, education.

59. The 410,000 is a “Levy” (please don’t call it a tax) that businesses are required to pay by vote of the council (but please don’t say they imposed it). And this barely-eye-kept-on manatory-levy-but-not-tax money is simply passed on to the BID to do with as they see fit.
    See, the council has NOTHING to do with it!

60. Right,
    The “levy” on the business owners is not placed on them by the town. We do not bill for the money, we do not handle the money.
    The BID IS the businesses in town. The business owners have a board, they run it with a staff of 2, they make the day to day decisions.
    The look that the town gives it is there so their finances can be covered in a public forum.
    We do not control how the BID spends its money.
    Bottom line (and I know I’m going to get this back) is: good people doing good things. We’ve much more to worry about.
    Cary Africk
    2nd Ward Councilor

61. You are playing semantic games. The council created the BID in 2002 and compels business owners to pay by force of law.
    https://archive.montclairtimes.com/page.php?page=544

    The area, called a Business Improvement District, would require business and property owners to contribute a special tax to fund the district and a manager who would oversee improvement efforts.

    The Montclair Times commends the Township Council for its unanimous approval last week of the creation of the Business Improvement Distric

62. Busted!

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