Cedar Grove Completes Superintendent Search, Hires From Within

The Cedar Grove Board of Education has chosen a new superintendent.

The school board was expected to approve a three-year contract for Acting Superintendent Michael Fetherman, which will be effective July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2016, at Tuesday night's meeting.

Fetherman has served a dual-role as acting superintendent and Cedar Grove High School principal since early May, .

Fetherman was one of 26 candidates who applied for the position, according to Cedar Grove Board of Education President Frank Mandala.

Mandala said the candidates were narrowed down to five, and four were interviewed after one dropped out of the process.

"Mr. Fetherman was the standout," Mandala said. "He actually really impressed all the board members because of his knowledge on the new standards that are coming down and just his vision for the district and his ideas."

Fetherman will bring a more collaborative leadership approach than his predecessor, Mandala said. 

"I think it’s a win-win for us as a district and for all the people that are in place right now," he said. 

Fetherman will serve out his contract as principal through the end of the month, while continuing to serve as acting superintendent. He has been the principal of Cedar Grove High School for four years. Prior to coming to the district he was an assistant principal in Nutley.

Mandala said the search for a new high school principal will begin Wednesday. 

Polles served as superintendent for just short of eight years before announcing his retirement and taking a medical leave earlier this year.