Former Franklin Lakes Curriculum Director Takes Job in Ridgewood Schools

Former Franklin Lakes Curriculum Director Cheryl Best has been appointed to a new job overseeing curriculum in the Ridgewood school district.

The board of education there voted Monday night to appoint her to the position of assistant superintendent for curriculum, instruction and assessment at an annual salary of $160,000.

The Franklin Lakes school board cut ties with the administrator in April in a 5-4 vote that sparked controversy among some of Best’s supporters in the district. The board is expected to vote on a retroactive appointment of her successor at its Sept. 10 meeting.

Best begins work in the new job immediately, starting on a per diem consulting basis to smooth the transition before taking over Oct. 1.

Best was appointed by the Ridgewood board to replace Regina Botsworth, who announced in July she would  be leaving the district for a superintendent position in a regional school district in Southbury, Connecticut.

Ridgewood Superintendent Dan Fishbein said that the search for a new assistant superintendent began shortly afterward, and that the district zeroed in on Best for her experience overseeing both the K-8 district in Franklin Lakes and her prior experience in Fort Lee's K-12 district.

“She understands all the levels of education, she has a background in curriculum and instruction, and we’re looking for someone to continue the great work begun by Regina," he said.