TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON—The Westwood Regional School District Board of Education on Thursday, Sept. 26, agreed, 8-0, one abstention, to a five-year contract with Dr. Patrick McQueeney, asking him to begin as the district’s chief administrator of schools “as early as possible but no later than Nov. 27.”
McQueeney, who serves in the Wanaque School District, submitted his resignation on Friday, Sept. 27. His contract has a 60-day notice period.
Westwood signed him to terms Nov. 1, 2024, through June 30, 2029, and a salary for the 2024–25 school year at $250,000, prorated, said board business administrator Keith Rosado.
Jason Garcia, president of the Board of Education and the Westwood Regional School District Board of Trustees, told Pascack Press over the weekend that “McQueeney brings an impressive track record and leadership qualities that are vital for success in the WWRSD. He commands a room with humility, speaks straightforwardly, and listens sincerely to those around him. These traits, along with his communicative leadership skills and his clear vision for educational excellence, make the entire board confident that he is the right leader for our district.”
The board said, “We look forward to working alongside Dr. McQueeney as he collaborates with administrators, educators, and stakeholders to help our talented students and this district reach new heights.”
It said, “While Dr. McQueeney has already begun his due diligence, he is eager to join our district, meet with staff and stakeholders, and assess our strengths and areas for growth. Together, we aim to continue our mission of providing every student with an exceptional educational journey that prepares them to excel academically, socially, mentally, and emotionally in the WWRSD and beyond.”
The board said it “proudly and enthusiastically welcomes Dr. Patrick McQueeney to the Westwood Regional District and this Cardinal Community. We are excited for the future and confident that the WWRSD will achieve its full potential under his leadership.”
McQueeney sent a memo to Cardinal families on Oct. 1, saying in part, “As I step into this role, I want to take a moment to express my excitement and commitment to our schools, students, and community. I have communicated with our dedicated faculty and administrative teams and I am eager to begin our great work together!”
He said, “While I fulfill my responsibilities in my current position, I have begun the process of setting up important stakeholder meetings and will be planning a series of meet-and-greets to get to know the amazing Westwood school communities. More details to come!”
Heather Perin, who has a relative working in the district, explained she abstained to avoid a conflict of interest. She thanked her fellow board members for their work leading to the agreement.
McQueeney supplied a professional biography that describes him as an educational leader and advocate for student achievement with more than 20 years of experience in public school administration.
McQueeney has held such roles such as superintendent and director of curriculum, instruction, and professional development for the Wanaque Borough Public Schools, and acting superintendent for Sparta Township Public Schools.
His background includes roles as assistant superintendent, principal, and vice principal, where he consistently created engaging and effective learning environments. His expertise in curriculum development, grant facilitation, and educational technology integration has earned him widespread respect in the education sector.
As a founding member of the New Jersey Association for Educational Leadership (NJAEL), McQueeney “is actively involved in promoting strong, visionary leadership across New Jersey’s public schools.” The NJAEL empowers school administrators to implement best practices and drive positive change, improving student outcomes statewide.
McQueeney holds an Ed.D. in educational leadership and an M.B.A. from Centenary University, an M.S. in materials engineering from Rutgers University, and a B.S. in physical science from Rowan University.
He’ll be the next permanent superintendent since Dr. Jill Mortimer stepped down with a $400,00 settlement with the district in the wake of her suit detailing numerous allegations against the board and immediate past president Michael Pontillo and current members Laura Cooper and Kristen Pedersen, all three of Westwood, who under the plaintiff’s complaint were among her employers.
Mortimer, of Wyckoff, sought compensatory and punitive damages, reinstatement of employment with accommodations, and implementation of corrective actions by the board to prevent future occurrences of discrimination and harassment.
The amount included the maximum allowed on a contract buyout—Mortimer had approximately two years remaining on the job—and other considerations pressed in her lawsuit. The settlement, to be paid by insurance, released the district from the matter, officials said at the meeting, the night of the first day of school for the new term.
In agreeing on the settlement, the board further agreed to seat Dr. Bronwen Calderón as acting superintendent for up to 90 days or until a new superintendent was appointed.
Mortimer’s immediate predecessor was Dr. Raymond A. González. He announced his resignation on May 4, 2021, effective that Aug. 1, and said he looked forward to taking over as superintendent of the Westfield Public School District.