New Superintendent Named For Rumson-Fair Haven Regional District

RUMSON, NJ —The Rumson-Fair Haven Regional School District will have a new superintendent for the new school year, the Board of Education has announced.

Darren J. Groh, who comes from the Chatham, was named superintendent effective July 1.

The contract approved by the board appoints Groh as Chief School Administrator/Superintendent of Schools for the period July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2026. His salary for the first year of his contract is $215,000, according to the district website. It increases each year: $219,300 in 2023-2024; $223,686 in 2024 to 2025; and $228,160 in 2025 to 2026, the final year of the contract. his appointment was unanimous.

Groh will replace Interim Superintendent Anne Facendo.

Groh brings over two decades of educational experience as a teacher, assistant principal, and for the past 16 years the principal of Chatham High School. As the building leader for Chatham High School, the board said in a news release. His experience that includes identifying academic areas in need of support, attracting, recruiting, and retaining talent as well as overseeing multiple million-dollar construction projects.

“The Board was very pleased with the quality of candidates interested in leading RFH. What separated Mr. Groh was his success in leading a highly successful leadership team for so many years and his focus on all of our kids, from the highest achieving to those in need of the greatest support,” said Board President Annie McGinty.

Groh was selected after an extensive search process that included input through a stakeholder survey and small group sessions with parents and community members, students, staff members, and administrators. New Jersey School Boards Association (RFH’s consultant in this process), received over 25 completed applications from highly accomplished candidates, the news release said.

Throughout the selection process, "Mr. Groh's passion for student-centered education, commitment to excellence, and growth mindset together with a team approach made him a perfect fit for RFH," the news release said.

“I am looking forward to getting started. The RFH Strategic Plan truly complements my previous experience. RFH is a great community and I am hoping to add to its continued success," Groh said in the news release.