School Superintendent Search Underway In Ridgewood

RIDGEWOOD, NJ – Seven months after former Ridgewood Schools Superintendent Tom Gorman announced his resignation, a search for a new permanent superintendent has officially launched, district spokesperson Charlene Labenda said.

Gorman resigned to become superintendent of Montville Schools in Morris County; his resignation was accepted in March, effective July 1. Leonard Fitts was appointed Ridgewood's interim superintendent in May, effective July 1.

The village Board of Education is retaining the services of executive search firm Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates to assist and counsel through a four-phase search process that includes engagement, recruitment, selection and transition.

HYA's "disciplined approach," Labenda said, will ensure all stakeholders have an opportunity to be part of the process and will provide valuable feedback about the school district. This information will help the board develop a leadership profile and selection criteria that "match the priorities of the community and meet the needs of students," she added.

Board members and stakeholders will be engaged through interviews, online surveys and focus groups. Community members are also invited to be part of the process through forums and a survey, Labenda said.

Virtual community forums will be held at 10 a.m. on Oct. 27, and 6 p.m. on Nov. 2. An in-person forum will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 1 in the Benjamin Franklin Middle School auditorium.

To learn more and access the community survey link, visit the Superintendent Search page on the district website.

A previous version of this article referred incorrectly to the board approval dates for Gorman's resignation and Fitts' appointment, rather than the effective dates.