Lawrence Township BOE thanks Kasun for his service, in the process of superintendent search
The impending retirement of Superintendent of Schools Ross Kasun was officially accepted by the Lawrence Township Public Schools Board of Education June 7.
Kasun announced his plan to retire last month, after five years as the superintendent of schools. His retirement takes effect Sept. 1.
School board members praised Kasun and expressed sadness at his decision to retire. He will begin work as a product development specialist for an educational technology company.
“You served us well for five years,” school board member Jo Ann Groeger said. “We are sad to let you go, but we know you have great new things on the horizon.”
School board president Patricia Hendricks Farmer reminded Kasun that he and the school district went through the COVID-19 pandemic together. The school district pivoted overnight from in-school classes to remote classes when the schools were shuttered.
“We will never forget you,” Farmer said. “Thank you for your service and for all you have done for the district and for what you have done for us as a school board.”
School district officials hope to hire a new superintendent of schools by Sept. 1. The school board established a superintendent search committee that includes school board members Michele Bowes, Arundel Clarke, Michelle King and Amanda Santos.
The superintendent of schools vacancy was advertised on the New Jersey School Boards Association, the New Jersey Association of School Administrators, the New Jersey Association of School Business Officials and New Jersey School Jobs websites.
The advertisements netted 39 applicants, Farmer said. The school board is in the process of interviewing the candidates.
“We have some pretty good candidates,” she said. “People are really interested (in the Lawrence Township school district). People want to come here.”
One round of interviews has been held, and more are being scheduled, she said, adding it is early in the process.
“The school board is not going to rush or compromise the integrity of the search,” Farmer said. “The goal is to find the best candidate.”
