From the Press of Atlantic City, March 27, 2010-Rob Spahr, Staff Reporter.
Two school districts are about to begin a search for a new superintendent due to a single retirement.
Mullica Township School District Superintendent Richard Goldberg has notified the Board of Education that he plans to retire as of Sept. 30.
Goldberg, 62, has been an educator in the Mullica Township School District for 36 years - serving the past four as superintendent. And under a shared-services agreement the district has with the school district in neighboring Washington Township, Burlington County, Goldberg has simultaneously served as the superintendent of the Green Bank School for the past four years.
When the opening for Goldberg's job is officially announced next week, the successful applicant will have to take command of both districts.
"The decision will ultimately be Mullica's to make," Goldberg said. "But there will be a Green Bank representative involved in the entire process, giving feedback and opinions to make sure their district's needs are met."
The target date to fill the position is June 15, which Goldberg said would allow for a smooth transition when he hands over the reins of the district on Oct. 1.
Goldberg - who taught in private schools in Camden and Somers Point prior to coming to Mullica Township - said he decided to retire last fall.
"People always say that you know when it's time for you to go," he said. "And that's how it was for me."
Goldberg's wife, Rosemary, is also retiring from her middle school teaching position in Galloway Township.
"We both plan to travel and try other things. We never had a chance to do the Peace Corps when we were 21, so we might try teaching overseas," he said. "I know I'm not going to be sitting in a rocking chair on the porch. I'll be doing stuff."
And even though Goldberg's retirement announcement comes in the midst of his district planning to lay off 12 staffing positions - due to its state aid being cut by $260,000, as well as increases in special-education costs and health insurance coverage - he said he is proud of the school district he is leaving behind.
"You have to take the good with the bad. It is a tough time right now, but I think I can help with the transition," he said. "But the administrators and staff here are terrific. They won't back down just because it is a down economy. They'll do whatever possible to make sure our students continue to get a first-class education."
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Mullica School begins search for new superintendent
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9 comments:
With Goldberg's announced retirement, the BOE has a perfect opportunity to reduce the adminstrative staff of Mullica school. How about one principal for K-8? Or are there no competent administrators capable of handling that much reponsibility?
Can someone with accurate information kindly answer this serious question: what does the superintendant do that makes it necessary to fill the vacancy due to Mr. Goldberg's retirement? At one time, I thought it was the superintendant's responsibility to manage the finances, as well as continually look for grants to help with the school's budget. Perhaps I am mistaken? I seriously wonder just what is the function of a superintendant, and why are they necessary?
I agree with the above. That type of consolidation would save the school district over $100,000 easy when you consider salary & benefits. It's a small district with little problems, I would think it makes more sense to use this opportunity for a cost savings as opposed to laying off teachers that directly impact the students. Wouldn't this cost saving be able to save two teachers?
Re: 2:35 PM post. If you feel the information you would get here is inaccurate, then perhaps you should attend a school board meeting, held the third Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM and you can directly ask that question. You can even stop by the school and go to the superintendent's office and ask them what the exact job description is.
The way the salary scale works, the $100,000 would not save two teachers. However, I do agree that one principal for the entire school is a good idea, but then where would Green Bank fit into this mix?
Unfortunately you would have to get the state to allow one principal. As we were once two schools, physically, we had two principals. When we merged the buildings, the state ordered we maintain two principals. This has been argued with the state many times in the past with each request being turned down.
Would it work to have one principal and one superintendent/principal? That would be another way to cut down on the admistrative numbers. I know of some other small districts that go the super/principal route (Folsom being the closest)
Who in the state ordered Mullica to maintain 2 principals? The school enrollment has dropped over 200 students since the merger and it continues to decline. I can't imagine the state, who today is trying to reduce the number of school districts, would still support that decision. I think our BOE could effectively challenge the state on this.
The MTEA keeps beating the drum that Mullica is top-heavy on administration. If the administration is cut, I would like the board of ed to return 100% of those savings to taxpayers, NOT to the MTEAs members. Then we call ALL share the pain.
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