October 19, 2018

Dear Parents, Teachers, Administrators, and Staff:

At today’s Board meeting we formally learned that our superintendent, Jeffrey Rutzky, is departing the West Orange Public Schools. Over the past few years, and in partnership with our outstanding staff, families and the community, the District successfully implemented a significant number of initiatives and State mandates to ensure that all of our students receive a quality instructional program.

It is with great regard and respect for our students and staff that careful consideration be given to a seamless and thoughtful transition. Over the next few months, the Board of Education, present and incoming, will seek to appoint an interim, establish selection committee representatives of the West Orange school community, and obtain public input via open forums as part of a formal and comprehensive superintendent search. In the meantime, our plan is to stay the course; providing a continuity of leadership as we collectively endeavor to safeguard our school climate, effective teaching and learning, and the confidence and support of our staff as our paramount priorities.

Within sixty-days, we will provide the staff and community with an update on the state of the District and the Board’s progress toward appointing an interim and commencing a superintendent search so that parents and community members are fully aware of next steps, processes and opportunities to provide feedback and input.

Thank you for your continued commitment to the West Orange Public School Community.

Respectfully,

Eveny de Mendez
Acting Superintendent of Schools