White Plains CitizeNetReporter - “Fruitful Discussion” with Saul to be disclosed. Search Firms Review

The White Plains Board of Education meets Monday to interview two executive search firms to find a new Superintendent of Schools. Details surrounding Dr. Saul Yanofsky’s departure will be made public before next public meeting. “Search” is on schedule. There is competition: 15 school districts in the tri-state area seeking superintendents of schools.

Larry Geiger of the White Plains Board of Education told WPCNR Friday that the Board of Education met with Dr. Saul Yanofsky last Monday afternoon. Geiger said the Board and Yanofsky had what he characterized as a “fruitful discussion.”

New Letter to Come

Geiger said the two parties would inform the public in more detail about the reasons for Dr. Yanofsky’s contract not being renewed. Geiger reports the new information would be sent to parents in a letter shortly before the next scheduled Board of Education meeting (November 19, 8 PM).

Search firms being interviewed.

Meanwhile, Geiger reports the Board of Education will interview two search firms, specializing in conducting national searches for school superintendents. Geiger declined to reveal the firms being considered. The Board member, speaking from his New York City office said the board anticipates choosing the search firm and naming the firm at the November 19 Board of Education meeting.

Twelve to 15 Superintendent positions Open in Tri-State Area

WPCNR talked to a pair of independent observers of the school superintendents’ world. They represent the Montclair, New Jersey School District, a district very similar in population and demographic makeup to White Plains.

The Montclair, New Jersey, Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Michael Osnato, formerly the Pearl River, NY, superintendent told WPCNR that he felt White Plains would have to be very competitive in terms of salary to attract an executive of Yanofsky’s stature to take the position. He said White Plains is searching in a tough market.

Osnato, being active in superintendents’ organizations, familiar with school board activity around the metropolitan area said there are 12 to 15 towns actively searching for new superintendents.

WHITE PLAINS STARTING SEARCH AT RIGHT TIME, says Dr. James Patterson, PersonnelAdministrator, for the Montclair School District in New Jersey, a specialist in superintendent searches. Interviewed by WPCNR in Montclair, a district similar to White Plains, and one that recently hired a new superintendent, Patterson encouraged community involvement by their being able to meet and interact with finalists for the superintendent position, to involve the community input in the final decision. WPCNR PHOTO

White Plains expected to pay a premium

Dr. James Patterson, who is Personnel Administrator for the Montclair school district, a specialist in school superintendent searches, said that White Plains would have to offer approximately a $200,000 salary to attract a superintendent the Yanofsky class. The Elmsford School District, according to Patterson landed its new superintendent at a salary of $165,000 a year.

Stiff Competition from Toney Towns

Osnato also told WPCNR that there are very attractive school districts searching for superintendents simultaneously. He pointed out that Ridgewood, Tenafly, Clifton, Fort Lee, Livingston, and Millburn, all of New Jersey and all “attractive” districts – are searching. He also reported that Southern Westchester BOCES and Rockland BOCES are in superintendent search, too.

Superintendents drawn from three states.

Osnato advised us that there is a “musical chairs” situation with many New Jersey superintendents switching to Westchester County, and vice-versa. He pointed out the new Chappaqua superintendent came from New Jersey, and the new Mount Pleasant Superintendent came from Fairlawn, New Jersey.

White Plains starting at the right time.

Both Patterson and Osnato said White Plains was on schedule and is starting its search in time. Patterson said, ideally, White Plains should have candidates ready to present to parents by the end of January in order that they can have a new superintendent in place by April 1.

Advises presenting finalists to the community.

Patterson said, in view of the White Plains controversy over Dr. Yanofsky’s departure that, he felt it would be in the best interest to involve parents and the community. He suggested presenting the Board’s final choices to the public informally before a decision is made. He points to a recent search he conducted where a finalist for a superintendent’s position was presented to the community who just “skewered” him with questions, and the candidate declined to take the position.

"Secret Agenda," syndrome need to be defused.

“When a community feels that their Board of Education has a secret agenda, candidates can sense that, and will not take the position,” Patterson said. “The Board’s motivation will be second-guessed. The secret agenda of a School Board is always an issue.”

Patterson suggests picking two finalists.

Patterson advised also that the Board of Education decide on two finalists to maintain a strong negotiating position.


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