Schools superintendent gives 90-day notice, By Linda Smith Hancharick and Patricia Keller West Milford Superintendent of Schools Bernice Colefield resigned her position last Friday, the second day of the new school year. Colefield, who was beginning her third year in the position, said she felt it was the right time to retire. “I’m grateful, so grateful to have had the opportunity to be superintendent here,” said Colefield. “I won’t take another permanent position. This was my permanent position. I loved my job here.” School board meetings have taken a contentious turn over the past 17 months, from new board members questioning many long-time accepted district procedures to a new majority this year that wanted to close one or possibly two district schools, something Colefield vehemently opposed. The school board later decided to hire a firm to study the possibility. Still, Colefield asked for and received a contract extension this summer that would have taken her through the 2011-2012 school year. Colefield came to West Milford and served as principal at Apshawa for four years, leaving for Ogdensburg as chief school administrator for that district She returned five years ago, serving three years as West Milford’s director of education and getting the superintendent’s job, after an extensive search, in June 2008 with the retirement of Glen Kamp. Reaction to the news In addition to being surprised by the news, many throughout the district felt sadness at Colefield’s retirement, from her colleagues to parents. “I believe this a sad day for the students and staff of the West Milford Public Schools,” said Dan Novak, who just began his second year as principal of Upper Greenwood Lake Elementary School. “As a young administrator, Mrs. Colefield has been a tremendous mentor for me as I have grown professionally. As a parent of three small children who will be attending our schools, I sincerely hope that our next superintendent will bring the same energy, excitement, and love of learning to our district that Bernice did.” Michelle Fenwick, a parent in the district who also served on the board of education and was also a staff member at one time, thanked Colefield for her commitment to education. “Bernice Colefield has served WMTPS well in her time, first as principal of Apshawa School, then as the director of education, and finally upon returning to the district as our superintendent,” said Fenwick. “She championed education initiatives by successfully exercising responsibility, promoting her vision, demonstrating leadership, and providing accountability.” Marilyn Schultz, a former board member and PTA officer as well as a parent in the district, worked with Colefield on all three of those levels. Schultz lost her school board seat in this past election and said she isn’t surprised at Colefield’s departure. “I am saddened, but not surprised, by the resignation of district Superintendent Bernice Colefield,” said Schultz. “Seriously! Who can blame her?” What’s next Now the district is looking to fill two high level positions in its administration with Colefield’s departure. Business Administrator Steve Cea left the district for Paramus on Aug. 31 after working in the West Milford School District for 14 years. Dominic Butler is currently serving as the interim business administrator through Dec. 31, 2010. It will be up to the school board to name a permanent replacement for Colefield. Director of Education Iris Wechling as well as Director of Special Services Howard Heller are both qualified to serve as superintendent. In the meantime, Colefield is looking at her options. “I will explore other opportunities,” said Colefield, although not full time. “I want to take my wealth of experience and put it to good use. My options are open.” To see more comments on Superintendent Bernice Colefield’s sudden retirement, go to www.westmilfordmessenger.com. Let us know what you think of her decision to leave the district. You can post your comments under the story.