'Super' nominee gets set Township Superintendent of Schools expects to move to countywide position in September. Saturday, April 26, 2008 • By Trish G. Graber • The Express-Times TRENTON | Greenwich Township Superintendent of Schools Kevin Brennan hasn't had much time to lay the groundwork for the duties he will assume as Warren County's executive superintendent, a job he will likely begin this fall. "We've been so focused on getting the budget passed and reorganization," he said. But he may have a few months to map out a plan. Brennan, who has served as superintendent since 1996, said Thursday he is planning to retire from the district before taking the position as the county executive superintendent. He must give 60 days notice of his retirement, state officials said, and then take one month of required leave before taking the county superintendent post. Brennan is one of four so-called "super" county superintendents nominated by Gov. Jon S. Corzine. Brennan's nomination could be considered by the state Senate's Judiciary Committee by as early as May 5. If it goes forward without delay, he could take the position by Sept. 1. Eleven of the 21 county superintendent positions have been filled and those individuals have begun work, according to state education officials. The remaining six must still be nominated. Department of Education Assistant Commissioner Bill King said the state hopes to have all of the county superintendents in place by the fall. The super county superintendents take the place of the county superintendents. However, the new position gives them broad powers aimed at generating greater efficiencies and cost savings in local districts. Among their duties, they are charged with crafting a plan to consolidate school districts, making them all kindergarten through 12th grade systems. The plan, expected in two years, would have to be approved by residents in each affected municipality. Executive county superintendents also have the ability to veto portions of a school budget if the district does not take the necessary steps to achieve administrative efficiencies, or if a budget includes excessive non-instructional expenditures. King said while they will also consider shared services, joint purchasing agreements and other ways of achieving greater efficiency within districts, "their overarching responsibility is to be one of the main education leaders in the county." All executive county superintendents will be paid $120,000 a year, according to DOE officials. Brennan has said he made an annual salary of approximately $146,000 as Greenwich Twp.'s superintendent. Trish Graber is Trenton correspondent for The Express-Times. She can be reached at 609-292-5154.