Vicki Pede to take the reins as Lopatcong Township school district's new superintendent

LOPATCONG TWP. | Five months after the search began, the township board of education has a new top administrator.

A specially scheduled meeting Thursday night ended with an official offer from the school board to Vicki Pede, a superintendent at Morris Plains, N.J.

Pede accepted the three-and-a-half year contract for $138,500 a year.

"Thank you for having faith in me," she told the board.

Former Superintendent Mike Rossi earned $128,000 plus an $8,000 annuity.

Pede said she earned about $140,000 a year at Morris Plains School District but said the slight decrease in salary is not an issue. Her motivation, she said, is not her income but rather the chance to be a part of a strong school community.

"I'm thrilled beyond words to be a part of this team," she said.

Minor changes in the contract will be sent to Warren County Executive Superintendent Kevin Brennan for final approval, board of education President Terry Glennon said.

Pede's dedication to districts and her experience in the field caught Glennon's eye during the interview process, he said.

"The direction we're looking to take for this school district fit her well," Glennon said.

Board member Rod Edinger said Pede was an exceptional contender for the position.

"There were some other good candidates, but she rose above them," he said.

As a Phillipsburg High School alumna, Pede has a familiarity with the area that was also a factor in Edinger's approval.

A huge plus for board members Ernie Gallant and Judy Liptak was Pede's student-oriented outlook.

"I expect her to help our students rise to new heights," Gallant said.

Glennon said he hopes Pede will settle in by early January, but contractual language in her current contract could keep her in Morris Plains longer. Pede said she is already in talks with the district's board to "work out what's best for both" districts.

Glennon said interim Superintendent William Caldwell has begun assembling a transition file to ease the shift of power.

"Pede will be very aware of all of the problems facing the district from day one," Glennon said.

The board president hailed the help of consultants with the New Jersey School Board Association, whom the board hired for $6,000 to assist in the search.