the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Montville Township NJ, Dr. Thomas A. Gorman ( Superintendent of Ridgewood Public Schools ) was appointed Superintendent of the Montville Township Public Schools on Tuesday, March 15, 2022. The resolution of Dr. Gorman’s appointment was unanimously passed by the Montville Township Board of Education at the regularly scheduled meeting.
“This evening the Board is excited to recommend the appointment of Dr. Thomas Gorman as Superintendent of the Montville Township Public Schools effective July 1, 2022,” said Montville Township BOE President, Charles Grau.
In his announcement, Grau cited Dr. Gorman’s achievements and innovative educational experience, expertise and vision.
A rigorous and thorough Superintendent search was conducted by the Montville Township Board of Education. In January the Board opened a second round of the search and received thirty applications.
“This is a wonderful opportunity.” Dr. Gorman said. “The mission of the Montville Township Public Schools to: ‘Educate. Inspire. Empower.’ is exciting. I am looking forward to working collectively with parents, faculty, staff, administrators, and the Montville Township Board of Education to help each student achieve their fullest potential in a learning environment of the highest quality.”
Dr. Gorman’s appointment is effective as of July 1, 2022, following the retirement of Superintendent Dr. René T. Rovtar on June 30.
Dr. Gorman thanked both Dr. Rovtar and the Montville Township Board of Education during his remarks.
“Dr. Rovtar has been so gracious to work with during this process,” Dr. Gorman said. “It has been a pleasure to work with the Board of Education, as well. I am looking forward to the upcoming transition and to the start of our work together here in Montville Township.”
With more than thirty years of business and education experience, Dr. Gorman comes to Montville Township Public Schools from his position in Ridgewood, NJ, where he has been Superintendent of Schools since 2020. Prior to his position as Superintendent, he was the Ridgewood High School Principal for over eight years, and Principal of Westwood Regional Jr./Sr. High School from 2007 to 2012.
Having been a History major, with a Business minor, at Muhlenberg College, Dr. Gorman began his educational career as a Social Studies teacher at Teaneck High School followed by Ramapo High School. He received his M.A. in Educational Administrative Supervision from Montclair State University, and his Ed.D. in Educational Administrative Supervision from Rutgers University. He has also served as an adjunct professor at Ramapo College.
A published author and valued contributor to publications, Dr. Gorman is a highly regarded educational leader.
As an administrator, Dr. Gorman has introduced a variety of innovative initiatives including Girls Who Code Club, expanded STEAM initiatives, Special Education transition-to-work programs, enhanced gifted and talented programs, and many technology, mental health and communication programs. He has also built vibrant community relationships and active alumni associations that have enhanced educational funding and support for students.
In addition to being an experienced educator, Dr. Gorman also has a background in corporate marketing and communications. His corporate positions have enhanced communications and marketing for major companies such as Nabisco, as the Client Services Manager for Spectra Marketing Systems, and M&M/Mars International, where he was a Marketing Coordinator.
His international perspective also informs his educational expertise. He has hosted Global Classrooms for over 100 participants from 7 countries, developed international student exchange programs, and traveled with educational leaders to Germany, China and Japan to explore innovative educational ideas.
“My vision of a successful educational experience is founded upon one of high standards, relevant curricula, innovation, and balance among academics, athletics, arts and activities,” Dr. Gorman said.
The Montville Township Public Schools district will welcome Superintendent Dr. Thomas A. Gorman on Friday, July 1, 2022. The 2022-2023 academic year will begin Tuesday, September 6.
Dr. “We’ll check into that and get back to you.” No significant accomplishments during his brief tenure.
Good. We need someone who can get things done and fix this place.
We are doomed.
If the Ridgewood BOE can’t hold
onto a homegrown, Ridgewood educated, Ridgewood resident, yes we are doomed. More importantly, so are our property values, and sadly our kids.
This BOE has a bad track record that’s getting worse.
This BOE has a track record that kicks ass. They are thorough and responsible and they watching out for ALL residents not just newbies who want to spend, spend, spend. If we empty-nesters are pushed out, you all will really be screwed.
Jeez….why would he leave Ridgewood…?
Three words. Toxic work environment. The Superintendent reports to the BOE. The BOE either supports the Superintendent and works together to meet the district’s objectives. Or the BOE undermines the Superintendent and stifles his/her expertise in public school leadership.
Remember- the Superintendent’s primary focus is the students. One has to ask, what is the primary focus of the Ridgewood BOE.
Ridgewood has always been seen as a highly respected district, a place where that the best educators wanted to work. Now, two great superintendents burned out in less than 2 years. What does that say about our fair ‘Village’. Look at other districts that celebrate their school leadership.
“Remember- the Superintendent’s primary focus is the students.” that is hysterical LOL ,you mean teachers and administrators , kids go to school because teachers need jobs no other reason
Hmmm, I don’t think either groups primary focus was ever the students.
Sorry but Fishbein needed to go. Gorman is a loss.
2 far left woke liberals.
Oh, pleeeeeeeeze. Give me a break.
Look at the trail of destruction of the same 3 recent Board Members….2 Superintendents gone. 1 Business Administrator gone. 1 set of lawyers gone.
Numerous teachers & staff retiring most of all time ever! The constant bickering of Board members among themselves at meetings. Board members arguing with auditors who are 1 of the most respected among the State!!!
The Ridgewood Community needs to get their head out of the sand and see the common denominator!!! 3 new Board Members are the cause of this….. Not the Super, not the BA, not the lawyers, teachers or staff….. Our children will be, if they arent already, collateral damage because of the narrow mindedness of this Board and their toxicity…. Let the professionals in education do their jobs and have the Board members watch and learn instead of dictate and interfere……
He should not have been appointed in the first place. They only did that because he was well liked (liked; not respected) by parents and Fishbein’s retirement had blown up in their faces. It was nothing more than a save face hire. Time to bring a woman in from the outside.
It is a tough Board – they seem to want to implement change – not business as usual. What change? I haven’t seen this organized and documented – if it exists. Hopefully this is organized and presented to candidates as they interview to see if they are up to the task. To your point, this change will be very difficult for a “homer” that has existing friendly relationships with administrators, teachers and their respective Union leadership. An outsider is vital in this situation – but they have to be ready to make tough decisions leading to not being liked.
That kind of decision-making criteria got us our current VP. How about they focus on bringing in the best-qualified person to boost educational-effectiveness and RESULTS, regardless of their DNA profile?
You don’t like The Cackler..?
I would gladly suffer through the cackling if she and the dotard were capable of handling ANY of the challenges facing this country. Sadly, they are not and anyone with a brain knew this before the election. It’s like watching a slow-motion train wreck. At least Jimmy Carter can go to his reward knowing he is no longer the worst President in US history.
Right. They have to stop worrying about whether parents/taxpayers like them. Tough decisions made in the best interests of extraordinary pupil performance sometimes result in the decision makers being unpopular. They should not be viewing this as a popularity contest.
Let’s measure “success” in a binary way: either we educate students who are capable of getting accepted to elite universities, or we don’t. The stats are clear: Ridgewood does a bad job of this compared with other towns. The numbers are publically available…
I saw a SAT study comparing average scores in Bergen County – I think we were 3rd or 4th behind Ramsey, Tenafly, etc. It also looked at spending on Administrator and Teacher salaries – we were high there. Very interesting to see it all in one place like that.
As for the new hire, if they come from education (99% chance of that) you already have a handicap when it comes to implementing change. Most of them have a built in instinct to be liked and not antagonize the Unions. Sometimes can’t blame them as several that have gone toe to toe with Unions end up losing their jobs due to “no confidence” votes. Tough position to be in.
WRONG!
https://patch.com/new-jersey/pointpleasant/new-jersey-sat-scores-released-2021-every-high-school-ranked
SAT scores are one piece of the equation. Some schools are moving away from these tests because they can be gamed and, of course, wealthy students tend to do better (more prep resources).
I believe that Superintendents must have a certification from the state that represents that person’s completion of continued education in public school administration and leadership. So, not just anyone gets to be a superintendent. Both Fishbein and Gorman also have advanced degrees in education.
Montville received thirty applications, how many did Ridgewood receive when Fishbein departed? How many will Ridgewood receive this time around?
Unfortunately that is the conundrum – highly prepared individuals in education/administration and as a result they’re also products of the system. They have to abide by the norms and expectations or they won’t be hired by subsequent districts. For example, if Gorman had really have gone after the Unions, championed real change, etc. do you think Montvale would have given him a look? Other districts that are not looking for dynamic change would say “this guy is trouble – he may shine light on reality that we’re not that good.” End of day, its education/government work, the bottom line for real innovation, sharp leadership is not part of the culture.
When was the last time you tried to negotiate with a union. “if Gorman had really have gone after the Unions, championed real change, “
I don’t think Superintendents have that power. Their super power is the ability to bring management and the union closer together then the usual miles apart starting point. Ridgewood has negotiated good contracts with the REA and RSA.
I think increases have been at or below county average.
Also, in a year real change in a public institution is a dream.
You’re not entirely wrong, but superintendents can bring aggressive instructional and work place practices to the table to be included/negotiated into a new contract. Practices that will drive student achievement, overall district operational excellence, fiscal efficiency, etc. Most Supts like being “Switzerland” so their they don’t piss any side off. Just the way it is and will be until there is such a thing as school choice and districts don’t have a captive customer base – you live in town you HAVE to go to their schools. If you could take your school tax $$$ elsewhere, you bet they’d get their act together and start really looking at efficiencies and driving overall excellence and thinking outside of the same old box.
According to the data for 2019, Ridgewood was 49th in cost per student. That is right 48 school districts in the COUNTY were more expensive than Ridgewood.
https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/education/2019/08/16/heres-how-much-each-nj-school-district-spent-per-student/2013071001/
This is an important number – Ridgewood is either incredibly efficient or grossly underspending.
We benefit from a large population, hence administrative efficiencies.
Just math.
This just simply IS NOT TRUE. In 2019, Ridgewood High School had more Ivy League/Stanford acceptances than BCA. FACT.
Your statistical analysis is flawed.
Firstly, are you comparing the absolute number of acceptances or the percentage of acceptances? (the latter would of course be more appropriate)
Secondly, why are you comparing Ridgewood to a *single* school? (even if that single school is one of the best in Bergen County) Why not compare to all of Bergen County?
Also, is there any reason why you are using 2019 data when 2020 data is readily available? See http://www.rhshightimes.com/college-destinations-class-of-2020
Some stats from 2020:
Here is RHS:
Harvard 2
Stanford 1
Yale 1
Columbia 1
Princeton 1
MIT 1
Dartmouth 2
Brown 1
Cornell 3
Penn 1
TOTAL 14 of 416 (3.3%)
By comparison, here is Tenafly:
http://www.tenaflyschools.org/cms/lib/NJ02210482/Centricity/ModuleInstance/33004/BOE%20Report%20Class%20of%202020%20-Final.pdf
Harvard 0
Stanford 1
Yale 1
Columbia 2
Princeton 1
MIT 0
Dartmouth 0
Brown 6
Cornell 3
Penn 3
TOTAL 17 of 303 (5.6%)
Tenafly has almost double the number of acceptances on a percentage basis. And, this is one comparison. I’m sure we can find numerous others if we had the time to do the analysis…
and I said ACCEPTANCES – not matriculation. Pay attention
Your analysis is wrong. RHS is matriculation and Tenafly is acceptance. Try again xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx. You get an F on that assignment.
They are actually dead even. RHS data you provide is matriculation and Tenafly is acceptances. So please compare apples to apples here Mr Math. Ridgewood matriculation = Tenafly MATRICULATION
Tenafly kids are grade-grubbers.
Some say Tenafly has the best school system around, is that true I don’t know. What the Hells going on and Ridgewood we used to have One of the best education system around.
If you look at the data that the person posted you can see their analysis is severely flawed. The ridgewood data is matriculation and the Tenafly is acceptances. When you look at Tenafly MATRICULATION a you will see RHS and Tenafly are DEAD EVEN. Do not believe these same people that want you to think our schools are going to hell. They are not. Our teachers and administrators are still churning out some of the brightest kids in the state.
So, why is he leaving?
His girls are out of system. Both average athletes that some how were on varsity teams while the Dr. Was in a position of authority. Now he doesn’t need to protect them. Everyone knows this.