There's A New Kid On The Block

Come July 1, Hoboken will have a permanent superintendent again. Frank Romano, who is currently on a one-year contract as assistant superintendent in the Fort Lee district, was offered the job by the board on Tuesday night. 

While the majority of the Board of Education voted in his favor (it was a 7 to 2 vote), Maureen Sullivan and Vice President Carrie Gilliard had concerns about his lack of executive experience as well as the amount of his salary (which has been set at $190,000, with a 3.5 percent increase in the second and the third year of the contract). Sullivan and Gilliard voted against the resolution to hire him. 

In a phone conversation on Wednesday afternoon, 44-year-old Romano, who was 18 years of experience in public education under his belt, responded to criticism and laid out some of his plans. He later followed up with an e-mail to clarify some statements. 

How do you plan on convincing the board members who voted "no," that they should have voted "yes?" 

FR: I don't plan on convincing them. I plan on working with them and I hope that they will work with me. ... Service on the board can be a thankless job, the salary is zero dollars. People come on because they care about kids. 

In a follow-up e-mail, Romano clarified once more why his level of experience should not matter.

FR: I remember the original posting for Superintendent of Hoboken. It said "preferred superintendent." I thought to myself that a sitting superintendent might do a good job, but so too might a school leader who prefers to stand, roll up his or her sleeves, and engage. I appreciate people's apprehensions, but I've spent a long time caring about kids and focusing others on caring about kids. I know my business and know how to surround myself with solid educators, conscientious supporters, and appropriate resources.

Your salary has been set at $190,000 with a 3.5 percent increase from the first to the second and the second to the third year.

FR: I think it's very fair. It's nowhere near the top of what Hudson county school administrators make, but I think it's extremely fair, given all the factors coming to these terms. I feel very satisfied. The board has been incredibly fair. 

What is your main priority, coming to Hoboken?

FR: The challenge is that the demographics of the schools don't match that of the general community. Hoboken is a dynamic place made up of a diverse population. Schools don't reflect that diversity. My number one goal is to have the schools reflect the community, all of Hoboken. 

Can you be more specific? 

FR: I can tell you that it doesn't look like a state takeover. I can tell you that it does look like improving on the already rich environment that we're facing right now. And promoting all the wonderful things that go on in Hoboken schools. There are a lot of misconceptions about what goes on in the schools. 

What happens between now and July 1?

FR: What I'll do is I'll engage after hours. I am going to take some Fort Lee vacation time to come to Hoboken without getting in the way of the interim superintendent to make the transition as smooth as possible. (Peter Carter) has been very welcoming.

What was the first thought that went through your head when you heard you got the job?

FR: I thought: "I can't wait to get there." And that is true. It was one of the first thoughts. I can't wait to get there. 

Once Romano signs the paperwork and after Acting County Executive Superintendent Timothy Brennan approves his new position, he will hand in his resignation in Fort Lee. His one-year contract was supposed to end on June 30. He will be in Fort Lee until that date.