Struble named acting schools superintendent
Woodmere principal to serve in top post until June 2007
BY SUE MORGAN
Staff Writer

Barbara Struble

EATONTOWN -- Come Monday morning, Woodmere School Principal Barbara Struble will report to work in a building other than the school where she has spent most of her 36-year career.

With the Eatontown Board of Education's unanimous decision naming Struble as its acting superintendent of schools effective Monday, Woodmere School's lead educator is getting ready to move into her new administrative offices at Steelman School.

Even as she takes on the duties of the district's top spot, Struble will continue to serve as principal at Woodmere, one of the district's three K-6 buildings.

With the board's blessing, however, Struble has already begun seeking a temporary successor to succeed Struble at Woodmere, where she has been principal for the last eight years.

"I'll be starting the search tomorrow," Struble said after this past Monday night's board meeting where her selection as acting superintendent over four other candidates was sealed.

Struble is expected to stay on as acting superintendent through June 30, 2007, the expiration date of the contract between the board and Jean "Nina" Hoover, the school district's current superintendent.

Hoover, who was officially removed by the board from the duties of her $130,000-per year post on June 26, is still on the K-8 district's payroll according to the terms of her contract, district officials have said.

In accordance with the terms of the board's academic year 2006-07 contract with the school principals, Struble is to be paid $107,900 annually plus $3,000 for her longevity of almost 37 years, district documents show.

Her salary for the acting superintendent's position will likely be determined at the board's next meeting on Aug. 14, according to board President John Schiels.

Through a collective process, board members and administrative staff selected Struble over other principals and administrators, Schiels said.

"The staff and board decided that [Struble] would be the best choice at this time," Schiels said.

Struble's immediate predecessor as acting superintendent is Memorial School Principal Ronald Danielson, who took over the top office within days of Hoover's departure.

Danielson, a 40-year district employee who once before served as acting superintendent, was not interested in holding the post until next June, Schiels explain.

During the meeting, the Schiels and other board members thanked Danielson for stepping up to the plate for the month of July.

"He did an outstanding job," Schiels said.

Besides leading the search for an acting principal at Woodmere, Struble's first order of business will be preparing the district schools and staff for the start of a new academic year in September, Schiels said.

"The education of our students is paramount," Schiels said.

Both Struble and Schiels called the kick-off of the district's $29.8 million bond construction referendum, which is expected to begin during the coming school year, a major priority.

In addition, Struble looks forward to leading the district through the forthcoming Middle States Accreditation process, due in February.

Finally, Struble sees assisting each of the building principals in carrying out their educational goals as her third priority.

"I have wonderful colleagues that I work with," said Struble, who taught fifth grade at Woodmere for 28 years before becoming principal. "They are supportive, cooperative and creative."

The district needs to return to a "team approach" once employed by administrators and principals, Struble continued.

"We had [a team approach] at one time. I want to bring that back," she said.

Struble likes to think of her new position as one of providing guidance, rather than managing other educators.

"I'm looking forward to working with the colleagues that I've known for a number of years," she said. "I hope to use my skills to guide them through Middle States and the renovations."

"I also want to continue the harmony and unity that exists between parents, students and staff," Struble added.

As acting superintendent, Struble said she will try to impart the school board's ideals and values to the district community.

"I thank the board of education for the confidence that they have in me in selecting me to be acting superintendent," Struble said. "I will dedicate my time, talents and energy to the continued success of the Eatontown school system."

Schiels and other district officials have declined to speak publicly about the circumstances leading to Hoover's removal from her duties.

The superintendent had written to the board on April 3 that she would resign effective June 30, 2007, due to her anticipated retirement.

Due to the terms of Hoover's contract, the board cannot hire a permanent superintendent until after July 1, 2007, Schiels has said.