Pushed by the Christie administration, these jobs will be open to non-educators for the first time
N.J. Gov. Chris Christie has pushed for loosening hiring requirements for superintendents in failing districts. The state Board of Education voted to approve that measure. TRENTON — The state Board of Education has voted to relax requirements for hiring superintendents in the state’s most troubled school districts, opening these jobs to non-educators for the first time.
Pushed by the Christie administration, the new regulations will take effect immediately for the 57 districts across the state with schools that fail to meet a federal standard for student achievement based on student test scores. The pilot program will not include any additional districts in future years.
Long-time board member Edithe Fulton was alone in her disapproval for the measure and expressed concerns about its size and scope. She and former board member Josephine Hernandez had both pushed for a smaller pilot program.
“It takes more to run a school than being a successful business man,” Fulton said. “Having some contact with actual classrooms is essential.”
Under the new regulations, applicants will only need a bachelor’s degree and management experience to apply for superintendent positions. Boards of education will then evaluate candidates using a rubric of professional standards previously adopted by the state Board.
Superintendents in districts without failing schools must meet much more rigorous standards. They are required to have a master’s degree and a number of job-specific credentials. The certification process is extensive and involves testing, an internship and at least one year’s work with a mentor.
Board Vice President Ilan Plawker said he is “very comfortable” with the new regulations, adding that he had no experience as an educator before serving on his local school board and now on the state board.
“These jobs require the administrative skills gained from having run a successful business,” Plawker said. “Our end goal is a business product – getting our kids through school and ready for work or college.”
Related coverage:
• Braun: Advocates of privatized education want to end public schools
• Gov. Christie to unveil public-private school partnership plan
• Gov. Christie introduces plan allowing for-profit companies to run 5 failing N.J. public schools