WEST MILFORD The search for a new superintendent of schools in West Milford is shifting into a higher gear this week. Recruitment consultants, R-Pat Solutions, have been hired to lead the hunt for the best candidate and a wide-ranging plan is now in place. July 1, 2008 is the target date for the new superintendent to be sitting behind a desk and planning the new school year in West Milford. In order to make that date, a specific timeline has been drawn up by R-Pat. Between now and the closing date of Feb. 29, newspaper and online job advertisements, as well as notifications in trade publications and direct contact with professional organizations will go out. A three-, four- or five-year contract can be offered; however, if the new appointee is not in place by July 1, a three- or four-year contract would run into the next school year. Robert Rosado and James Patterson, consultants for R-Pat, were present at a special meeting of the Board of Education. Both men provided details of the process by which they will attempt to find a top-notch appointee. R-Pat will screen and check the paper applications and identify 12 to 16 individuals to interview. From this process, the applicants will be whittled down to between five and eight people who will then be interviewed by the board of education. The timeline calls for the board to conduct their interviews between the 24th and 28th of March. Patterson advised the board that they should have a clear idea of what they are looking for in their new superintendent. Specifically, how proactive that person should be: “You’ll find that superintendents come in one of two classes,” said Paterson. “Either somebody that comes in and ... seeks to improve existing programs or someone else who will change radically the way business is done. That’s a discussion the board needs to have ahead of time. What kind of person do we need here?” Patterson and Rosado will also hold meetings with staff and administrators from the schools in West Milford to get their ideas on what qualities they think their new superintendent should have. Patterson said, “We request the board not attend these meetings, and we request the administrators not attend these staff meetings so that people can say exactly what they want to say.” Rosado advised that by speaking to staff they get an idea, often very different from what a board might say, of the needs of a school district. “I hate to say this in front of a board but sometimes the staff are looking for a superintendent who will stand up to a board,” said Rosado. “They will feel a strong leader is required in that situation.” R-Pat also intend to allow the broader community to give their advice on the new superintendent; however, Board President, Midge Touw, didn’t hold out much hope for much input. Looking out into an audience that contained no members of the public, Touw said, “As far as community involvement, I don’t see it happening.” Patterson and Rosado intend searching throughout New Jersey to find the next superintendent as well as in Pennsylvania and New York State. There was also realism though when taking into account other districts who are looking to appoint a new superintendent and the greater compensation they can offer. “You are in a competitive environment,” said Patterson. “There are some big paying districts opening in New Jersey and some superintendents will be jumping trying to get those particular positions.” Rosado added, “The area around New York has a lot of openings and the area around Long Island has a lot of opening. Quite frankly, you’re not going to be able to attract some of the superintendents from Long Island to West Milford. They pay very well; usually a starting salary of $200,000.” Current West Milford Superintendent Glenn Kamp makes about $156,000. The board and R-Pat consultants concluded their meeting in private where the salary range and other compensation they would be willing to offer a new superintendent was discussed.