Westwood School Board Appoints Acting Superintendent Amid Personnel Changes
-
Meeting Type:
School Board
-
Meeting Date:
12/28/2023
-
Recording Published:
12/28/2023
-
Duration:
15 Minutes
-
State:
New Jersey
-
County:
Bergen County
-
Towns:
Washington (Bergen), Westwood
- Meeting Overview:
In a recent meeting, the Westwood School Board appointed Frank Connelly as Acting Superintendent in the absence of Dr. Jill Mortimer, with a monthly stipend of $5,000, prorated for partial months. Additionally, Bronwen Calderon was appointed as Assistant to the Acting Superintendent with a monthly stipend of $4,166.66, also prorated for partial months. These appointments were made pursuant to an employment agreement awaiting approval from the executive county superintendent of schools.
The meeting began with the board addressing concerns about the urgency and nature of the session, reassuring the public of the absence of nefarious motives, and explaining the necessity due to a personnel issue that could not be publicly disclosed. Public comments were invited, with community members expressing confusion and seeking clarification on the urgency of the decisions made, particularly given the proximity to when new board members are set to take their seats.
The board also moved to rescind prior approval of an arrangement for unnamed staff to receive assignment as Acting Superintendent. It was acknowledged that the previous vote on this matter, which passed 8 to 1 with Irene Fenarjian dissenting, was an error due to unanswered questions surrounding the item.
Questions from the public included concerns about the board’s process in overriding recommendations from the superintendent and the impact of such actions on future board and superintendent relations. The board responded by reiterating the motion details for clarity but did not provide additional context due to the confidential nature of personnel issues.
The meeting concluded without further public comments and was adjourned, leaving the community with assurances that Dr. Mortimer remains with the district, albeit the necessity for interim appointments was not fully disclosed.
Dr. Jill Mortimer
School Board Officials:
Michael Pontillo, Kristen Pedersen, Laura Cooper, Douglas Cusato, Jason Garcia, Irene Fenarjian, James Parrino, Andrea Peck, Stacey Price, Jill Mortimer (liaison), Bronwen Calderon (Director of Secondary Education), Denise Velez (Director of Elementary Education), Keith A. Rosado (liaison), Glen Becker (Director of Buildings & Grounds), Shelley LaForgia (liaison), Ashley Molina (Student Representative), Grace DeLeon (Student Representative)
-
Meeting Type:
School Board
-
Meeting Date:
12/28/2023
-
Recording Published:
12/28/2023
-
Duration:
15 Minutes
-
Notability Score:
Routine
Receive debriefs about local meetings in your inbox weekly:
-
State:
New Jersey
-
County:
Bergen County
-
Towns:
Washington (Bergen), Westwood
Recent Meetings Nearby:
- 09/05/2024
- 09/05/2024
- 83 Minutes
- 09/05/2024
- 09/06/2024
- 14 Minutes
- 09/05/2024
- 09/06/2024
- 112 Minutes