Superintendent to Earn $177K in Upcoming School Year

With unanimous board approval and the approval of County Executive Superintendent Robert Gilmartin, River Edge Superintendent Dr. Tova Ben-Dov's contract with the K-6 district was approved to allow for a $3,000 base salary increase for the coming year.

The raise, which brings her base salary to $177,000, is based on merit and the achievement of her 2011-12 school year goals. Her new salary is above Gov. Christie's Superintendent salary cap due to her hire prior to its effect. The River Edge School district has approximately 1,193 students as of the Oct. 2011 count. Based on the salary cap, a River Edge Superintendent's annual salary would be limited to $145,000 due to enrollment. Ben-Dov's contract is in effect until June 30, 2013 at which point it would be renegotiated to be brought in line with the governor's mandate.

Among Ben-Dov's 2011-12 school year goals was to reach out to the public and establish more involvement from the community. One way she accomplished that was by hosting Superintendent's Coffee dates at both and  schools during the school year as well as a community planning meeting with residents.

Additional goals were to continue to develop curriculum projects and plan instructional strategies and assessments to enhance achievement; build on the tri-district collaboration so that students are better prepared entering ; and ensuring that all students feel free of bullying, safe and confident in their place within their learning environment.

Ben-Dov was hired during the 2010 summer months after former Superintendent Erika Steinbauer retired after 25 years with the district. The former principal at the Maugham Elementary School in Tenafly has spent the past two years in River Edge leading a district that has faced . 

The River Edge Board of Education will next meet on Aug. 8, 7:30pm at Cherry Hill.

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