HOBOKEN – After months of contract negotiations due to the impending state salary cap limitations, the Hoboken school board’s new superintendent, Dr. Mark Toback, began his first day of work in Hoboken on March 8. Toback earns an annual salary of $155,000 and gets a $2,500 stipend because the district has a high school, bringing the total pay to $157,500. That amount is exactly the amount of the proposed superintendent cap from the state for a district this size. The contract runs until July 1, 2015. The contract also includes five incentive-laden bonuses which could bring the annual salary to approximately $180,000. Toback previously worked as a principal and superintendent of the Sussex County Vocational School District.
Toback released a letter to parents and guardians on the school board website this morning.
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Today, I was reminded what the first day of school feels like for students. March 8, 2011 was my “first day of school” in Hoboken. It is a day that started with uncertainty and the realization that there is much to learn and do. Like the first day of school, it did not take long for me to realize that I am in a good place and I am very excited about what the future holds. I am pleased to join all of you here in the beautiful city of Hoboken and honored to serve the community as Superintendent of Schools. I appreciate the warm welcome I have received from so many residents and district personnel. The young people of Hoboken have unlimited potential. Therefore, it is imperative that we work to establish challenging expectations for performance and to then support all students in achieving the highest standards. I look forward to working in partnership for the benefit of the young people of this fine community.
Sincerely,
Mark Toback
The school board will meet tonight, March 8, at 7 p.m. in the board meeting room at 1115 Clinton St. — Ray Smith