Dr. Mark Toback, the final candidate for the position of Hoboken Superintendent of Schools, visited the district Tuesday to meet people and answer questions from parents and Hoboken citizens, but his appointment is still contingent upon approval from the state and the Hudson County Superintendent. 

Gov. Chris Christie recently announced a cap of $155,000 on all superintendent's salaries as well as a freeze on all contract negotiations with superintendents. Board members Theresa Minutillo and Rose Marie Markle said they aren't sure what that means for this process. 

Since the cap isn't law yet, the Board technically doesn't have to follow it. The Board members could not elaborate on the salary or other specifics from Toback's contract.

However, the state has not yet sent its approval to the Hoboken Board of Education, which is needed before the Hudson County Superintendent can sign off on the contract. Once that's done, the Hoboken School Board votes on it and appoints Toback.  

A public meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday night at 7 p.m., but as of Tuesday afternoon there was still no word from the state.

"Christie doesn't know what he's doing," said Minutillo, "so it's hard for us to figure out what to do."

County districts—such as the Sussex County Vocational School District where Toback is coming from—aren't affected by the cap, Minutillo said. The Board of Education started this process of looking for a new superintendent this summer.

"We need to move forward," said Board Member Irene Sobolov.

Toback, 41, said he's excited to come to Hoboken, and dive in to matters such as drafting and passing a budget. He said also he has experience as a Business Administrator and as a football coach. 

The first thing Toback said he'd do if appointed, is to "start looking how to better organize the schools for success."

Liz Mulholland, a public school parent and active supporter of Kids First, said she'd like to see Toback expand the Advanced Placement Program and achieve higher SAT scores. 

Once Toback is appointed, he said he will give his current district his 60-day notice.

The latest date current Interim Superintendent Peter Carter can stay and work in Hoboken is until June 30, 2011, said Minutillo. 

"It's a nice district," Toback said about Hoboken. "It's a good fit for someone like myself."

Another chance to meet Dr. Mark Toback is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon at 4:30 p.m. at the Hoboken High School Cafeteria.