WWRSD—Westwood Regional School District board president Frank Romano III told families on Jan. 18 that at its regularly scheduled public meeting the board will appoint Dr. Jill Mortimer to superintendent of Westwood Regional Schools.
The board next meets on Thursday, Jan. 27. Mortimer’s contract details were not set at press time, said the district business administrator.
In an emailed letter, Romano, of the Township of Washington, noted Mortimer has served as acting superintendent for the past six months and had served as assistant superintendent for seven years.
“During this past year, when 25% of superintendents across the country have left their jobs, Dr. Mortimer has furthered her commitment to our district by not only stepping up but also stepping toward the challenges that abound,” said Romano.
He added, on behalf of himself and the board, “She has led with foresight and focus, communicated with clarity and consistency, and bred a sense of confidence and calm.”
Mortimer stepped up as acting superintendent after longtime superintendent Ray González, under fire over transparency and other issues to do with school scheduling amid the rise of the pandemic, departed for the superintendent post in the Westfield Public School District. He announced his resignation on May 4, 2021, effective that Aug. 1.
After she was appointed acting superintendent, Mortimer told Pascack Press, on June 23, she welcomed the opportunity to serve the district in her new role, and thanked the members of the Board of Education for their support.
“It has been a sincere pleasure to collaborate with such professional, competent, and hardworking staff members for the past several years. I along with my proud colleagues look forward to welcoming students back in September for the transition to a typical school year. Rest assured, we will be ready,” she said.
Her first day in the role, and the weeks thereafter, were a major test, as Washington Elementary School took on water — and systems damage — in Tropical Storm Ida over Labor Day weekend, temporarily displacing students and staff.
González’s colleague P. Erik Gundersen, who had served Pascack Valley Regional High School District for 27 years, including the most recent decade as superintendent, accepted an offer to serve the Suffern Central School District as its new superintendent, beginning July 1, 2021.
Taking his place amid a consultant-led replacement search is Dr. Daniel Fishbein.
Community had its say
Romano noted that on Oct. 4, 2021, “the board opened a survey, asking for community input that would help in developing a candidate profile” and that results were released Oct. 28.
He said results showed that the school community is in favor of a candidate who holds a doctorate in education or at least an Ed.S., has served as a superintendent or assistant superintendent, exercises collaborative and situational leadership, has expertise in curriculum development and evaluation and budget development and management, demonstrates an ability to develop and direct an effective management team, and other positive qualities.
“All of the above contributes to the conclusion that Dr. Mortimer is not only the best fit but, more importantly, the right fit for the Westwood Regional School Community,” Romano said.
He added, “We are fortunate to have Dr. Mortimer because she knows our district well, and she has all of the attributes that one hopes to find in a public school leader.”
Romano said Mortimer has a doctorate in educational leadership from the College of St. Elizabeth; a master of arts in teaching English language and literature from Fairleigh Dickinson University; and a bachelor of arts in psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
Moreover, he said, “Mortimer has gained a wealth of varied experiences in roles such as teacher, staff developer, principal, superintendent, and even board vice president.”
He said some of Mortimer’s “noteworthy and exceptional leadership work” during these past six months includes:
- Transitioning students back to school and keeping schools open during a pandemic;
- Coordinating onsite Covid-19 testing for staff and students;
- Providing for a school of displaced K-5 faculty, staff, and students during a post hurricane recovery;
- Managing “critical high school and middle school security threats” [see related story, page 19];
- Strengthening partnerships with Westwood and the Township of Washington;
- Leading an elementary level building, classroom space, and class section analysis in order to plan for establishing and maintaining optimal class sizes;
- Supporting a strong administrative team by engaging consultant and coach Tracey Severns;
- Collaborating with a team of Pascack Valley superintendents;
- Maintaining high visibility at schools, performances, and varsity sporting events;
- Engaging parents and Board of Education members by increasing communications; and
- Partnering with the Board Curriculum Committee on creating a kindergarten student placement system that better provides for students.
Romano said those who know Mortimer well “feel reassured by her strength and talent as an educational leader, her ability to engage parents and guardians, and her promise to continue doing great things with faculty and staff.”
Most importantly, he said, she proved she understands what it takes to provide adolescents and children with services and experiences that they need “to not only survive but thrive.”