TEANECK, N.J.: Teaneck school board candidate Gerald B. Kirshenbaum says the district’s next superintendent must be a strong educator who understands how students learn, how teachers work and how to lead a diverse school system.

Kirshenbaum made his case at the Sept. 24 candidates forum hosted by the League of Women Voters of Teaneck, repeatedly returning to the importance of experience as the district prepares to replace its superintendent.

“The new superintendent must demonstrate that he/she is a strong educator with knowledge of the preK-12 curriculum and has the ability to relate to a diverse population,” Kirshenbaum wrote in the League’s voters guide.

He said the superintendent should set a clear academic direction, communicate effectively and help the administrative team develop its leadership skills. During the forum, Kirshenbaum described his role in reviewing roughly 50 applications for an interim superintendent and presenting candidates for the board to interview.

Kirshenbaum also emphasized the need to strengthen English language arts, mathematics, science and world languages. He cited teacher training in Orton-Gillingham reading techniques and the introduction of a new math program as examples of the district’s efforts to improve instruction.

Weak Algebra 1 scores remain a concern, he said, because students need a strong foundation before advancing to more demanding mathematics courses.

Budget pressures were another major focus. Kirshenbaum identified health insurance, transportation and special education as areas where costs have grown sharply. He said the board was working with unions to examine health insurance options while trying to avoid professional layoffs.

But he cautioned against savings that could damage classroom conditions. The relationship between teachers and students, including class size and the ability to meet different students’ needs, must remain central, he said. He also recommended pursuing government grants and private funding.

Kirshenbaum’s experience extends well beyond the board. He said he has spent 53 years in education, working as a teacher, principal, assistant superintendent and school leader. His career included responsibility for curriculum and instruction, and he has also chaired a private-school board for more than a decade.

On outsourcing school services, Kirshenbaum urged careful analysis rather than automatic opposition or support. The board should compare costs and determine whether the district can maintain its buildings and services effectively, he said.

In his written response about past board decisions, Kirshenbaum criticized earlier choices of district leadership, arguing that weak educational leadership had limited student growth and the introduction of effective academic programs. He praised recent academic goals and curriculum work.

His argument to voters is that a school board seat requires more than good intentions. In his closing remarks, he said understanding curricula, student learning goals and how a school system operates takes time.

Kirshenbaum is running on Column B in the Nov. 3 election.