TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON—The new five-year contract signed by the Westwood Regional School District with superintendent Dr. Jill Mortimer provides $242,500 in base salary for 2022 and more than $262,000 by the fifth year of service in 2025-2026.
Mortimer was hired Jan. 27 by a 6-1 vote, after having served six months as acting superintendent following the departure of Ray González this past summer. She oversees K-12 schools in member communities Washington Township and the Borough of Westwood. Her appointment was announced Jan. 18.
She drew praise for hitting the ground running as remnants from Tropical Story Ida damaged Washington Elementary School over Labor Day Weekend 2021, necessitating student and staff relocations while repairs were made.
She also has been praised for her handling of a safety incident at Westwood Regional High School that saw one student injured, and has pointed to support for adding armed officers in the schools as a budget matter.
On Feb. 3 she issued a major policy change, allowing Test to Stay for un- and under-vaccinated kids and staff, which with restrictions could let them ride out five-day quarantines over covid exposure in classrooms rather than at home.
Voting in favor of Mortimer as superintendent were trustees Maureen Colombo, Roberta Hanlon, Joseph McCallister, Kristin Pedersen, Michael Pontillo and Board President Frank Romano III. Voting no was Andrea Peck, who said she objected only on a point of the hiring process. Michelle Sembler recused herself due to a conflict due to a family member employed by the district. Stacey Price was absent.
Effective Feb. 1, Mortimer will be paid $242,500 for the 2021-2022 school year. Beginning July 1, 2022 and each July through June 30, 2026, Mortimer will receive a two percent salary increase.
Mortimer’s annual salary increases will total: $247,350 (2022-2023); $252,297 (2023-2024); $257,349 (2024-2025); and $262,490 (2025-2026).
The contract does not include annual merit pay increases, a common practice that usually awards superintendents for meeting district/school board goals and objectives. The contract notes the superintendent will be evaluated yearly based on meeting district goals.
The contract notes the superintendent accrues 25 vacation days per year (2.08 per month), plus 12 sick days annually, five “personal days” that may be carried over year to year to a maximum of 15 days; up to five bereavement days for the death of an immediate family member and one bereavement day for the funeral of a close friend or relative.
Also, the superintendent gets 24 holidays, including July 4, Labor Day, Rosh Hashanah, New Jersey Education Association Convention (2 days), Thanksgiving Day and day after; holiday recess (eight days); Winter Recess (2 days); Spring Recess (5 days); and Memorial Day.
An addendum provides a detailed year-by-year contract cost breakdown of total costs, listing contract costs for 2021-2022 at $323,801; Year 2 at $335,281; Year 3 at $342,679; Year 4 at $350,196; and Year 5 at $357,832.
These include salary increases; total health benefits compensation; other compensation for professional development and organizational dues; and total sick and vacation compensation.
The 13-page contract was signed by Board President Frank Romano III, Mortimer, and Board Secretary Keith Rosado, as a witness. The final contract was also approved by the Bergen County Executive Superintendent’s Office, who reviews the contract for compliance with state education department law and regulations.