Soprano deserves thanks, not criticism for efforts

I am deeply disturbed by the Eatontown Board of Education’s decision to unnecessarily incur the risk and expense of hiring three new administrators all in one year. Despite remarkable progress with regard to technology, dramatically improved test scores, financial stability, consistent budget approvals, and the institution of a full-day kindergarten program during the current superintendent’s tenure, the school board is seeking a new candidate to fill his position. They are currently seeking a new business administrator, and are likely to need a curriculum coordinator as well.

Mr. Robert Soprano recently announced he had reconsidered his plans to retire, and wishes to continue serving the district. The Board of Education passed a motion to appropriate $5,000 to facilitate a search for a new superintendent instead. Another resolution, proposed late in the evening at a subsequent meeting, was not on the agenda. The Board voted 5-3, with one abstention, not to consider Soprano’s application for the superintendent’s position should he attempt to submit one.

Ironically, it is largely through Soprano’s efforts the Board can afford to replace him. When he arrived, the district was experiencing a fiscal crisis, the school budget was defeated, and two administrative positions were eliminated in an effort to restore a severely depleted surplus. Fifteen-thousand dollars was added to Soprano’s salary for assuming the business administrator’s responsibilities.

He took over the grant writing program assigned to the former curriculum coordinator without additional compensation, and increased the district’s grant revenues by more than $150,000 annually. Soprano also procured an additional $80,000 in funding above and beyond the district’s impact aid for each of the past two school years. Whatever happened to the thanks deserved for a job well done?

Susan L. Cook

Eatontown