Westwood School Board Seeking Public Input on Superintendent Search

Westwood and Washington Township residents can provide their opinions to the school board via an online survey about the next superintendent of Westwood Regional Schools.

"The new Superintendent will need many skills and attributes that will make that person successful in the position, but we are asking that you identify for us the most important ones that in your opinion will be critical for that person to possess," board members wrote in an email announcing the survey.

The survey is online here. It will stay up until June 7.

The results of the survey will be compiled by R-Pat Solutions, LLC of Roselle Park, a firm which the school board approved during their meeting last week to assist them in the search for a new superintendent. Having the firm handle the answers will allow residents to submit their opinions and keep their identities anonymous, Board of Education President Roberta Hanlon said.

The board approved a total payment of $8,900 to R-Pat for their various search-related services.

The board picked R-Pat because they don't take on any similar districts in the area during the search and because of their professionalism, according to Hanlon. 

Hanlon also said she hoped the board would be able to announce a new interim superintendent soon. The board interviewed three finalists for the position during a recent closed session meeting. 

Current Interim Superintendent Rory McCourt, the district's director of technology, elementary education and testing coordinator, has been filling the role since December. He is set to handle the position through June 30. The new interim superintendent will then take over until a permanent candidate is hired.

Have a question or news tip? Contact editor Jim Leggate at Jim.Leggate@patch.com, or find us on Facebook and Twitter. For news straight to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.