HOBOKEN—A March 26 news article on UnionLeader.com, said that one of three candidates being interviewed for a superintendent of schools job in Manchester, N.H. was Hoboken’s own Dr. Mark Toback. A follow-up article the next day said that Toback withdrew his candidacy for unknown reasons. The New Hampshire superintendent being replaced was earning $165,500, according to the article.
Toback has only been superintendent in Hoboken since 2011.
Hoboken Board of Education member Jean Marie Mitchell speculated on Tuesday, “I would assume other districts could be offering more money, there is competition out of state because of the cap here. I think he is easy-going and very talented and is running the district very, very well. But, if you find a diamond, someone is willing to pay a higher price for it.”
The original article, entitled “Manchester superintendent candidates step up to the plate,” discusses the three candidates’ answers at a community forum held on March 25 with over 100 attendees.
According to the article, Toback said the following of Hoboken, “Nobody wins if the superintendent walks. But there are things that can be done well in advance [of problems developing]. Right now, the district is engaged in a strategic planning process.” He was referring to the school board process to establish long-range goals for the district.
However, an article the following day said, “Mark Toback, superintendent of schools in Hoboken, N.J., said he withdrew his name from consideration Tuesday evening before the school board interviewed him. Toback, who said Manchester treated him fairly, declined to give a reason. ‘That’s something I prefer to keep confidential, personal,’ Toback said in a phone interview from Hoboken.”
That story can be found here.
Toback could not be reached by phone or email before press time. If he responds, his response will be posted.