SCHOOL DISTRICT BEGINS HUNT FOR NEW SUPERINTENDENT, BUT IT MAY TAKE UNTIL 2015

The South Orange Maplewood School District issued a statement today announcing that a search is on for a new schools superintendent and that Assistant Superintendent James Memoli will take over when Brian Osborne leaves July 1.

 An interim superintendent is expected to be named before September 1. A new permanent schools chief may not be hired until early 2015.

This statement issued by the district today:

             Dr. Brian Osborne to Become Superintendent in New Rochelle, NY

SOMSD Board of Education Begins Search Process for New Superintendent

Superintendent Dr. Brian G. Osborne has accepted an offer to serve as Superintendent of City School District of New Rochelle (NY). 

Dr. Osborne served SOMSD since May 15, 2007.  Upon announcing his decision to accept the new position, Dr. Osborne stated: “I am excited to join New Rochelle, and at the same time, the thought of leaving South Orange-Maplewood is heartrending.  Serving as superintendent in SOMSD has been rewarding beyond description.  Learning, growing, and leading with you in this vibrant district is a dream job.  I have been inspired to witness a school community rising to the challenge of increasing equity and excellence to maximize the potential of every child.  Personally, I am grateful that so many of you generously understood that the superintendent is another learner in a learning organization, and allowed me to learn with you.  I am proud of all we have accomplished together these past seven years, and I look forward to watching the progress SOMSD continues to make in preparing all students for success.”

Board President Beth Daugherty stated: “Under Dr. Osborne's tireless leadership, the District has made great strides in improving teaching and learning in every classroom for the benefit of every child.  His strategic leadership has also well prepared our staff for the numerous education reforms that have been adopted by the State.  New Rochelle is fortunate to have found such a talented and dedicated leader and we wish Dr. Osborne well in his new position.”

Dr. Osborne is scheduled to continue as Superintendent through June 30, 2014. The Board of Education plans to appoint Mr. James Memoli, Assistant Superintendent for Administration, as Acting Superintendent beginning July 1, 2014, until the Board secures an Interim Superintendent from outside the District who will begin as soon as possible after July 1 and no later than September 1st.  

The Board has also directed the Business Administrator to solicit proposals for a superintendent search consultant and hopes to award the search consultant contract at the June 16th Board meeting. The target date for a new permanent superintendent is no later than January 1, 2015.