By MADDY VITALE
The Ocean City Board of Education has had two superintendent searches in two years.
And now, the board will begin a third search, wiping the slate clean, to find the most qualified leader for the nearly 2,000-student school district with three schools, primary, intermediate and high school.
School Board President Chris Halliday said in a statement to the community during Thursday’s meeting that, “We have reached a point in the current search process where we find ourselves with no candidates who would be aligned with the district’s vision and goals to carry us forward in a passionate, engaged, collaborative and stabilizing educational manner.”
Since April, the board has reviewed 45 applications for the position. But despite narrowing down the pool in August, a new superintendent was not selected.
Halliday said that he will lead the development and execution of this “detailed strategic process to identify the best superintendents available, who are highly competent and also passionate about the great opportunity that this district can offer.”
He noted that the plan for a new search “will articulate each step in the process and how each constituent group will have a voice in providing input into the final decision for a permanent superintendent.”
Retired longtime educator Dr. Scott McCartney, of Egg Harbor Township, began serving as Ocean City’s interim superintendent in July to bridge the gap until a full-time superintendent is in place. While interim superintendents can stay on for up to two years, McCartney has a short-term contract with the district through Dec. 31.
Halliday said that in addition to selecting a new permanent superintendent, the district is seeking a long-term interim superintendent.
In an interview Friday, Halliday said that having McCartney remain on longer is not a possibility because he has plans with his family.
“Dr. McCartney is looking forward to travel and spending time with his growing family. The board and community can’t thank Dr. McCartney for stepping up during a difficult time in our district,” he said. “He has provided experienced leadership to help stabilize the district and to set the next superintendent up for success.”
The district has not had a long-term leader since former Superintendent Kathleen Taylor retired in August 2021 after 15 years of service. Interim Superintendent Tom Baruffi filled the void until the district hired Matthew Friedman as superintendent in June 2022.
Friedman resigned at the end of March to become superintendent of the Quakertown Community School District in Bucks County, Pa. He received a salary of $190,000.
In addition to the discussion of a new superintendent search was the celebration of outgoing longtime school board member Joe Clark, who currently serves as vice president of the board.
Clark, whose last meeting is in December, has been on the board since 2008. He decided that he would not seek reelection this November.
Halliday mentioned many of the attributes that have made Clark an asset to the school board.
“Joe has brought programs that directly benefit our children and our school district. He has been an integral part of the school board and a trusted adviser and confidant. Personally, Joe has been invaluable for me. We wish him the best.”
Clark, who also served as board president, said it has been a pleasure to serve on the school board.
“I can’t believe it has been that many years. When I look back at the fabulous boards, I will miss everyone,” he said. “But I will still be around. If anyone needs anything, I will be here to help out.”
McCartney hasn’t worked with Clark long, but he noted Clark’s dedication to the board and spoke of how hard he and other board members work.
“What I do know after being a superintendent for 20 years is, being on a board is a challenging job and these folks volunteer and show up throughout the month. I want to thank all the board members,” McCartney said. “You deserve thanks.”
For more information about the Ocean City School District, visit oceancityschools.org.
