Candidates for Superintendent Introduce Themselves

The two final candidates for the position of Hoboken's superintendent of schools tried to convince Hoboken parents and community members why they should get the job during a question and answer session at Hoboken High School Tuesday night.

Roughly 35 people sat scattered in the large high school auditorium during the two-hour long forum. 

Audience members wrote their questions on notecards (anonymously). The candidates answered the same questions.

The two candidates—who did not hear each other's answers during the forum—spent time in Hoboken's public schools earlier in the week. 

First up was Gayle Griffin, currently assistant superintendent in Newark. 

"It's an area that has done innovative things," she said when asked why she wants to work in Hoboken. She said she especially likes the International Baccalaureate Programme that's offered at the high school, a college prep program her own daughter completed. 

The questions were asked by New Jersey School Board Association Representative Susan McCusker. McCusker's husband was the one collecting notecards from the audience. 

"We must ensure that we're doing an excellent job," Griffin said. She added that improving the school district's test scores is among her top priorities.

Although she has never been a superintendent of schools, Griffin confidently assured the audience that her experience as assistant superintendent in Newark and her background as a principal in Pittsburgh qualify her for the job.

After about 45 minutes of talking, Griffin left and the other contender took the stage.

Frank Romano, who currently works in the Fort Lee school district, explained why he wanted to be superintendent in a well-prepared opening statement that focused more on his plans for the future than his history.

"I will watch, I will listen, I will learn quickly," Romano said. 

Every member of the audience received a three-page handout with Romano's characteristics and goals for the Board of Education. 

And as far as his experience is concerned: "I spent a long time making superintendents look very, very good," he said. "I've been doing good work for kids for a long, long time." 

After the session some parents and councilmembers—councilmen Michael Lenz, Michael Russo and David Mello were in attendance—gathered to chat and talk about how the candidates did.

"Both candidates were strong, but both seemed a little inexperienced" said Greg Bond, father of a third grader at Wallace Primary School. "They're not the silver tongued people we are used to here."

Although Bond had a preference, he said he didn't want to reveal it.

"They both seem very keen," he said. "Especially the second one."

The BOE plans on announcing its choice during the meeting on Feb. 7, McCusker said. Although the input from the community is encouraged by the board, the public does not get to vote.

In the meantime, the candidates will just have to wait. 

After the forum, Romano did not say whether he thinks he'll get the job or not.

"Am I ready? Yes. Do I want it? Yes," he said. But getting the job, he concluded, "depends on what the community wants and needs."