Robbinsville narrows business administrator search

ROBBINSVILLE -- The school district's interim business administrator is leaving, and says the district's finances are in better shape than when she arrived.

Meanwhile, a search for a permanent business administrator began in June and the number of candidates for the position has been narrowed to two.

Outgoing administrator Arlene Biesiada said she "straightened out" the district's finances when they hired her and now the books are balanced.

"I just gave some leadership to the staff in the business office," Biesiada said, adding, "This has been a good district, I made a lot of friends."

Superintendent of schools John Szabo said the administration is checking references for the two candidates before they present one of them for board approval.

"We're expecting the board will probably be making a decision next week," possibly by holding a special meeting, Szabo said.

Biesiada will leave Aug. 15. She assumed the interim job in July 2007 and has received an annual salary of $132,000. Last month, her contract was switched to monthly as the search for a permanent administrator got under way.

District administrators are looking for a candidate with experience as a business administrator who can work well with others; understands the Generally Accepted Ac counting Principles, the standard guidelines for financial accounting; and has public speaking skills, Szabo said.

A permanent administrator is not expected to be appointed until Oct. 1 and, because Biesiada is leaving in mid-August, the district is looking for an interim administrator who can fill in between Aug. 15 and Oct. 1.

The pay for both positions -- the interim administrator and the permanent one -- is dependent upon experience, Szabo said.