Chatham Principal Departing For Summit School District

CHATHAM, NJ - Southern Boulevard School Principal Robert Gardella resigned Monday night and will be taking a new position with the Summit School District.

The resignation was accepted by Board of Education.

Gardella has taken the position as Director of Human Resources/Chief Talent Officer in Summit and he will begin his role on July 12 or as soon as he is released from his current position, according to Summit officials.

After beginning his career as an elementary school teacher in Westfield, Gardella has held leadership positions as Assistant Principal and Principal since 2006. Along with others in the school community, Gardella was instrumental in beginning many high-impact initiatives such as HOPE Week, a philanthropic relationship with the Yankees, that focuses on community service, as well as partnering with Heart For People to rebuild and support a sister school in Uganda.

“I am proud of all the outreach our staff and students have been a part of throughout the years. Supporting others has always been important to me, and I plan to bring leadership in sustaining the same type of caring culture to the Summit community,” Gardella said.

He said he is also very proud to have been part of his school’s achievement of a National Blue Ribbon Award. As the Director of Human Resources/Chief Talent Officer, Gardella will oversee the recruiting, hiring, and on boarding of all new staff into the district.
Additionally, he will be responsible for planning and implementing professional development for both newly hired and current educators. Gardella will work closely with district administrators on many other aspects of district leadership in the areas of policy, staff evaluation, and community outreach.

“My background and experiences are going to allow me to transition into my new role as Director of Human Resources. I will listen and support others’ unique circumstances and needs,” said Gardella. “I am confident that my skills in collaboration and problem solving will add value to the team.”

in Chatham, the search to replace Gardella is underway.

"We are in the process of determining the best path forward and in our executive session tonight we'll discuss that," Superintendent Michael LaSusa said.