Letter to the Editor About Ken Rota Firing: 'Not only do I disagree with the Board's decision, I find the process they used ... questionable.'

Dear Editor,

The Board of Education in Paramus has taken what I consider to be an abrupt and disappointing action in voting by a 5-4 margin not to extend or renew the contract of the Superintendent of Schools Ken Rota. In his short time here, Mr. Rota has made significant progress. Our system ranking by NJ Monthly Magazine has rise from 111 to 57 as one example. The Board itself recognized his achievements in achieving personal goals and approved a bonus based on that performance. Beyond that, Mr. Rota has contributed to our community in many positive ways. He is well regarded and respected.

Not only do I disagree with the board’s decision, I find the process they used in arriving at it questionable. While they had until March to make this decision, they chose to vote at a special meeting called solely for that purpose in mid-December. The vote was 5-4 and the deciding vote was cast by a lame duck Trustee who did not seek re-election. Clearly as a 5-4 vote demonstrates there is considerable disagreement even on the board about this decision.

Many of us in the community are asking the Trustees to rethink this decision and have the newly reconstituted board address Mr. Rota’s contract anew. The Board will be meeting January 26 and many of us in the community will be attending to make our voices heard directly.

Sincerely,

John Uzzi

Paramus, NJ