Last 'Meeting Adjourned' For School Administrators

They weren't checking their calendars as school officials and Board of Education members were trying on Monday to fit school business into an upcoming summer vacation schedule: In fact, Valerie Goger and Regina Rudolph were preparing to say good night, and good bye.

Goger, schools superintendent since 1998, and the assistant superintendent she had chosen, Rudolph, received flowers, accolades and a standing ovation from the school board as they attended what likely was their last meeting as the school district's top administrators.

"Valerie and Reggie, I would just like to say, 'Thank You,' for your vision; your passion and your dedication to the children of Bernards Township," Board Member Susan McGowan said.

The board also received thanks, from the other side. "It's been a privilege to work in Bernards Township," said Goger, who said she raised her own children in the township. She spoke highly of the teaching staff, the parents in the township and students, noting some of the accomplishments and contributions of the school district's students.

The board also received thanks from Goger's husband, Barry Vankat, who provided his wife with a second bouquet following the board's presentation of flowers to both the superintendent and assistant superintendent.

"You bring the curtain down on the careers of two wonderful women," Vankat said. Addressing the board, he added, "And I would like to thank you for giving me back my wife."

Rudolph also thanked board members as the two top administrators prepare to officially retire at the end of this month. "I really enjoyed working with you to serve the kids," she said. Rudolph said her primary responsibility had been working with students.

The board's comments and accolades brought up mention of Goger's many responsibilities and projects—which included working with teachers, establishing a before and afterschool program for younger students, preparing a $54 million referendum and—although it was not mentioned Monday night—coordinating the school district's that resulted in the deaths of some of the district's parents or other relatives.

"There's so many different difficult issues that you took on," said Board Member William Koch, who said he is wrapping up his tenth year on the board, and working with the two administrators.

Board Member Elaine Kusel called the childcare program for district students "a wonderful legacy." She said both administrators adhered to "incredibly high standards."

"I think the two of you are consummate professionals," said Board Member Priti Shah. "No matter what is going on, the two of you are calm and know how to address it, or figure out how to address it."

Board Member Linda Wooldridge, who said she moved to Basking Ridge from California in 2005, said people in the township take the quality of the school system for granted. "It was so amazing for me to see how well the school functions," she said.

"There is no doubt you will be missed," said Board Member Beverly Cwerner.

Both Goger and Rudolph's replacements already have been chosen, from within the school's existing administrative staff.

Nick Markarian, another longtime district employee and current business administrator, having worked closely with Goger for years and also having taken on more of the superintendent's responsibilities this school year. Goger and Rudolph both announced their pending retirements last October.

Sean Siet, now director of curriculum, will become assistant superintendent, even while maintaining some of his current administrative responsibilities.

Goger had signed another contract with the board the previous October, in 2010 that would have carried her time in her position into 2014. Her salary for this year was just over $200,000, or more than $217,000 with almost $15,000 in "givebacks" on certain contractural items.

In a separate contract last year, Rudolph's salary was increased from $177,915 to $181,473 for this school year. The announcement of their retirements last October apparently came as a surprise for those members of the public in the audience, and for some board members who just heard the news that night.