Millburn Superintendent of Schools Resigns, Board of Ed "Extremely Disappointed"

Dr. James Crisfield, Superintendent of Schools, is resigning from his post as head of the Millburn School district. Crisfield, who has served as the Millburn Superintendent since July 2010, has accepted a position as Superintendent of an out-of-state school district, leaving the Millburn Board of Ed “extremely disappointed.”

Dr. Crisfield will begin his new position on March 1, 2015. He will remain as Chief School Administrator in Millburn until that time.

Reports from the Millburn Board of Education indicate that the reason for Crisfield’s departure stems from the district’s 2011 salary cap, which prevented Millburn from matching the salary offer extended to Crisfield by another school district.

“While we wish Jim Crisfield well in his new position, the Board is extremely disappointed to see him leave Millburn,” Board of Education President Jeffrey Waters said. “The Board unanimously wanted to offer Dr. Crisfield another contract. Unfortunately, the realities of the current salary cap imposed in 2011 have resulted in Millburn being uncompetitive in what we were able to offer. Our loss is certainly his new school district’s gain. His new school district is very lucky to have Jim lead them.”

“Jim Crisfield brought an outstanding style of executive leadership to our school district. He assembled an exceptional senior leadership team and together they have ensured that the Millburn schools have continued with their longstanding tradition of academic excellence,” Waters added. “In addition, his focus on character education and citizenship has assured the development of our children as well-rounded citizens.”

At the Nov. 24 Board of Education meeting, the Board will appoint Dr. Christine Burton, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, as Acting Superintendent effective March 1, 2015 through June 30, 2015 to assure continuity of administration through the end of the school year.

The Board will outline the next steps in the search for a new Chief School Administrator at the next meeting. Board President Jeff Waters will appoint a search committee to begin the process of searching for a permanent Superintendent.