Schools

Search for Assistant Superintendent Ends

Two candidates will come back for a final interview on April 16.

From 15 candidates, administrators for the have narrowed their list down to a final candidate for assistant superintendent.

LaSusa said there may be a recommendation to the board for which of the two candidates to fill the position as early as the April 16 meeting.

The search for the right person to step into Michael LaSusa's shoes has been ongoing since January, when LaSusa was confirmed as the next superintendent for the district.

Find out what's happening in Chathamwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Dr. William Librera, a former New Jersey Commissioner of Education, was approved as LaSusa's mentor during his first year as superintendent from July 2012 to June 2013. Librera now works with West Hudson Associates as the executive director.

Librera is also helping to find a new assistant superintendent. 

Find out what's happening in Chathamwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Board President Tom Belding said part of LaSusa's merit criteria as superintendent wil be to establish and accomplish "long-range plans and priorities that will help inform district-level decisions and priorities" over the life of LaSusa's contract, which expires in June 2016.

Librera, LaSusa, Belding and Board Member Richard Connors will work together to establish appropriate long-term goals for LaSusa and the district. These goals will likely include a strategic plan for meeting the district's projected enrollment growth.

To illustrate the projected enrollment growth, is expected to reach capacity within the next five years, even with the recent addition of four new classrooms.

"After we map out some understandings and expectations regarding a four-year planning and goal process, we will incorporate other individuals into future discussions and meetings," Belding said. "The overarching objective is to effectively link the school district's long-term priorities with Dr. LaSusa's performance goals and expectations."

LaSusa joined the district as a Spanish and social studies teacher in September 2001 at . By July 2004, he was promoted to dean of students and acting supervisor of social studies, and two years later, was promoted again to co-principal.

LaSusa became assistant superintendent of the district in July 2010, and in that role he has also served several other capacities, including district anti-bullying coordinator and affirmative action officer. He also serves as district testing coordinator for NJASK and HSPA.

Editor's note: A previous version of this article stated the board had two candidates in mind. As of March 21, LaSusa said a single candidate has been selected for the role of assistant superintendent. Chatham Patch has corrected this error and apologizes to our readers.


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