Region 15 Names Next School Superintendent

The Region 15 Board of Education has selected Regina Lemerich Botsford as the new superintendent for the district.

The region announced the move Thursday morning, days before an official announcement was anticipated at a board meeting Monday, July 29.

Botsford comes to Region 15 after 39 years as an educator, most recently serving as Assistant and Interim Superintendent of the Ridgewood Public Schools District in Ridgewood, NJ, according to Region 15 officials.

“The board has chosen a new superintendent who exemplifies strength of character and leadership,” said Region 15 Board Chairperson Janet Butkus. “We are confident that she will skillfully guide Region 15 through the many educational challenges and changes ahead.”

Fifteen candidates were presented for consideration for the position, and the search committee, led by board member Patricia Perry, selected six candidates for interviews and three finalists for second interviews. Botsford was then invited to visit the school district for an entire day to meet teachers and administrators and to meet for an extended period of time with the Board of Education, according to the region.

Botsford received a Bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Douglas College, a Master’s degree in Mathematics from The College of New Jersey, and a second Master’s degree in Educational Administration from Rutgers University Graduate School of Education. She also completed the Leadership Academy for Future Superintendents at Seton Hall University in 2007.

For the past 10 years, she has served as the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment for Ridgewood Public Schools in Ridgewood, New Jersey.

“During the interview process, I had the pleasure of meeting with board members, community members and staff,” said Botsford. “It is evident that Region 15 cares about students, their families and their learning, and that they work together as a team to continue to improve programs and services for children. I look forward to opportunities to meet more staff members and community members, so that I can more fully appreciate all that makes Region 15 a great district.”

A team of Board of Education members, a parent, and an administrator made a site visit to New Jersey to meet people from Botsford’s current district and learn firsthand of her accomplishments and leadership skills. Upon returning, the team recommended Botsford for the position of Region 15 superintendent of schools, according to the region.

Ridgewood, NJ Superintendent Dan Fishbein, whom Botsford worked with for several years, praised her work on behalf of their region. 

"Regina has been a great asset to the district in the area of Curriculum, Assessment and Instruction for over a decade," he said. "She has been instrumental in the revision of all curricula during her tenure as well as make sure our district scored “high performing” QSAC. I will miss her as a colleague and know she is excited to start as Superintendent."

Botsford will assume the duties of superintendent on October 1. Retiring Superintendent Dr. Frank Sippy will remain on duty as interim superintendent and assist with the transition of leadership.

The Board of Education will hold a special meeting in the PHS All-Purpose Room on Monday, July 29 at 7 p.m. to officially elect Botsford as superintendent.