Lenape will share superintendent

Not official yet, however both parties have agreed STANHOPE — Lenape Valley High School’s Superintendent Paul Palek, Jr. may be working double duty later this fall. The LVR Board of Education has begun drawing up the contract for Palek to oversee Netcong’s small K-8 school. With around 300 students, and many failed attempts at permanently filling the high-profile position, Netcong has not had a satisfactory superintendent for the last three years. LVR Board President Paul Tracy believes this will be beneficial for the regional high school as well. Netcong is one of the sending districts. With Palek as the helm at both schools LVR can now aid Netcong with its highly educated department chairs and a top-notch curriculum. According to Lynn Popelka, president of Netcong’s Board of Education, the curriculum at her school has to be updated every five years and the time is now. Tracy agreed and said, “This will help make for a smoother transition of the elementary students to high school. The kids will be prepared when they arrive here.” The agreement for the new position is a purchased services agreement, not a shared services as rumor has it. Netcong had shared a superintendent with Stanhope but there was a difference in philosophies. It is not feasible for Netcong to have its own full-time superintendent, so Netcong will pay a $60,000 fee directly to LVR for Palek’s time. “Some of it will go to Palek,” said Popelka, “some of it will go to his executive secretary because of her increased workload, and the school itself will retain some.” This is a lower amount than in the past, yet Netcong taxpayers are concerned about tax increases. Some LVR parents have expressed their dissatisfaction as well questioning how one person can do two jobs effectively. They also feel that the regional high school is losing their full-time superintendent. The Netcong position will require Palek to fulfill an undisclosed number of hours, but Palek can work a majority of the time from his office at LVR. Popelka believes this job is going to be a refreshing change for her school. “Unlike past years, the superintendent will not be here for two-and-a-half days...Palek will probably do most of the work from his office at the high school.” According to Popelka, the main duties include filing forms, staff evaluations, participating in all types of meetings and events, including that of their board of education. “Our board is informed all the time,” said Tracy. “We get large packets of information, constant emails. We can help Netcong prepare information for their board meetings. Many times they come unprepared.” The agreement has not taken effect yet. It is not official. Palek confirms he did not solicit the additional workload, but will honor the wishes of the LVR Board to aid another district. He added, “This is a very uncomfortable situation because I’m not negotiating. I’m not involved.” For the agreement to take effect, both boards have to follow a process. Each needs to receive a list of approvals at the county and state levels. This can take the next several weeks.