Schools

New Superintendent Focuses on Stability, Communication

Dr. Paul Fried wants to create "a culture that is open."

Amongst other things, Dr. Paul Fried spent time on his first day getting used to his new surroundings. Specifically, his office, which is located in the board of education building.

"In my old job, my office was in the high school," he said. "I'm used to the life of a high school."

Dr. Fried began his term as superintendent of the Montville school district on July 1.  Even at this early stage in the job, he is focused on addressing what he feels is one of the district's biggest issues: stability.

Find out what's happening in Montvillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

 "There are a lot of interim positions to fill in the district," he said. "I am looking to build a solid administrative team."

Current high school Principal. Dr. Frank Callabria, is a serving in an interim position. Dr. Fried is taking for Rita Seipp, who was herself an interim hire.

Find out what's happening in Montvillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Dr. Karen Cortellino, President of the board of education, shares Dr. Fried's concerns about establishing a permanent administration.

"[Dr. Fried} is right on the mark with the need for stability," she said. "The district has been through a lot of transition, but his personality seems to lend itself to being a calming influence."

Dr. Cortenllino and the board found Dr. Fried through a private search firm instead of using the New Jersey school board. From his second interview, the board was impressed.

"Paul was one of the early candidates, and it was clear to the board that any other candidate would have to measure up to Paul," she said. "He was that impressive. It was clear he had a command of what is job would be in Montville."

Before accepting his new position, Dr. Fried served as superintendent of the Mamaroneck, New York school district. According to Dr. Fried, the two districts are statistically similar: both districts have similar enrollment sizes (close to 5,000) and socio-economic situations.

""He is coming from a very high achieving district," Dr. Cortellino said. "For me and for the board, we see in him someone who is capable of building relationships with all the stakeholders in the district: the teachers, other administrators, parent groups and the community at large."

Dr. Fried himself is aware of the importance of being an ambassador for the school district.

"Obviously, I want to gain the confidence of the community," he said. "I maintain an open door policy. I want to create a culture that is open, honest, communicative."

While Dr. Fried expressed his desire to maintain a collaborative spirit in his operations, his main focus lies squarely on the children.

"I want to work collaboratively with the board of education and the parents, but my responsibility is to the kids, he said. "My day-to-day hardly matters compared to what students are being taught in the classroom. I am an advocate for children first."

His child-first philosophy extends to the school district's budget, which he plans to focus heavily on.

"75 percent of cost in a district usually goes toward salaries and benefits," he said. "This isn't a business. Even small salary increases will cause the budget to go up. Still, the focus has to be on teaching the kids."

In the coming weeks, Dr. Fried hopes to establish a committee consisting of board members, parent representative and students to assist in the hiring of a new principal for the high school.  He plans to extend his open policies to any potential new administrator.

"It's important to always make time for principals," he said. "They're on the front lines, so I will always take their calls, take time to meet with them."


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here