BY PATRICIA KELLER
WEST MILFORD — Dr. Joan Oberer is returning to Westbrook elementary School.
The West Milford Board of Education Tuesday accepted the resignation of Westbrook principal Deanne Somers effective Sept. 26, 2016, and concurrently approved the appointment of Oberer, the retired, former Westbrook principal, as interim principal effective Sept. 27.
Somers held the position as Westbrook principal for the past two years, but was appointed by the Roseland School District as its new superintendent on Aug. 24 for a four-year contract through June 30, 2020, at the salary of $135,000, the maximum allowed for a superintendent by the State of New Jersey for a school district of that size.
Oberer retired from her position as principal of Westbrook School in April, 2013, after a career of nearly 40 years in the education field. During her tenure in West Milford, Oberer was a teacher at Macopin, Marshall Hill, and Upper Greenwood Lake (UGL) schools, and was named Passaic County Teacher of the Year in 1984 for her work teaching computer science to UGL’s first grade students. Oberer later entered into administration, and held positions in the district as vice principal of Macopin School, director of Adult Community School, and principal of Marshall Hill School for six years. Oberer most recently served as principal of Westbrook School for 13 years prior to her retirement.
The vote was unanimous among school board members present for the vote, including Trustees Teresa Dwyer, Steve Drew, Marilyn Schultz, Glenn Huber, James Devor, and Jim Foody. Trustee Debbie O’Brien left the meeting early. Trustees Greg Bailey and Rodney Robbins were absent from the meeting.
Oberer will take the helm at Westbrook at the per diem rate of $500 without health benefits, through June 30, 2017 or upon the appointment of a permanent principal.
Following the vote, Oberer was welcomed back and asked to say a few words. Oberer chuckled as she approached the podium, saying, “Well, I guess you know who I am.” She said, “I just want to say as I look around here, I know almost everybody in this room, almost. I feel very, very comfortable here. I’m actually very proud of everything I see here because I had a big part in it, and it’s great to be back!” She thanked the board for their support.
In a message sent to the school community on Wednesday, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Alex Anemone welcomed Oberer back to the district.
“Last night at the board of education meeting, the board voted unanimously to approve Dr. Joan Oberer as the interim principal of Westbrook School, effective Sept. 27. Prior to her retirement in 2013, Dr. Oberer served as Westbrook School principal and is able to step in and lead the school until a permanent principal can be hired. I am confident that under Dr. Oberer’s leadership, Westbrook School can continue to serve all its children and meet the diverse needs of all its stakeholders. Please join me in welcoming Dr. Oberer back to the WMTPS!”