Field services representative Kathy Poria outlines superintendent-evaluation process to board

Kathy Poria, the field services representative assigned to Somerset and Hunter counties, told the North Hunterdon-Voorhees Regional High School District Board on April 21 that the superintendent evaluation is a central oversight tool and outlined how the board will complete it this spring.

Poria said the evaluation should be constructive and is not merely a compliance exercise: "Think of the superintendent evaluation not just as something you're doing to check off a compliance box. It's actually one of the most important things that you'll do during the year as a board member because it's your way of holding your superintendent accountable," she said.

Why it matters: Poria reviewed legal context and practical steps — including use of the anonymous online compilation tool, a non‑public executive‑session meeting to determine the board’s majority opinion, and a required evaluation conference with the superintendent. She emphasized conflict‑of‑interest rules and that boards must complete the annual performance report by July 1.

How it will work: Board members will complete the online instrument individually; non‑conflicted members then meet in executive session to determine the majority opinion. Poria explained the mechanics of compilation and anonymity: the platform aggregates ratings and comments and delivers a confidential compilation to the board president; the superintendent does not see individual board members’ inputs.

Practical details and advice: Poria recommended that boards set an evaluation calendar, build evidence of goal progress, and schedule an evaluation conference early enough to meet the statutory deadline. She also described optional steps such as a pre‑conference for clarifying goals and the distinction between the confidential superintendent evaluation and the public board self‑evaluation.

Next steps: Board members asked procedural questions about timing for a May executive session and how new members should mark items they have not observed; administrators agreed to schedule follow‑ups and to provide the compilation in advance of the executive session.

The evaluation process and timelines described by Poria will guide the district’s formal evaluation work this spring and ahead of the July 1 deadline.