New Superintendent Takes Reins at First Official School Board Meeting

Dr. Frances Wood, the new schools superintendent who replaced Peter Miller this summer, gave her first official report at her first official Board of Education meeting on Wednesday, and outlined some of the changes she has made so far.

Wood, previously superintendent for the Highland Park school district, officially took the position on July 1, following the retirement of Miller, who had been principal for a decade but spent his entire career with the Somerset Hills schools district.

Wood told the board at the meeting that even in her short time with the district, she feels she belongs, and is happy arriving in the district each day. "From the day I drove here, I always felt really calm and good about getting here," she said.

Last May, Wood accepted a contract for five years at an annual salary of $157,500 for each of those years. 

Since arriving, Wood said she has taken primary responsibility for curriculum. She added she will be adding an academic report to the superintendent's report given at monthly board meetings.

She added that she and Assistant Superintendent Barbara Walls will be meeting with the district's three principals on a monthly basis with a focus on discussing instruction for students.