Who Will Replace Cherry Hill's Superintendent? Board Outlines Next Steps For Search

CHERRY HILL, NJ — The search for a new superintendent of Cherry Hill Public Schools is underway. School officials began looking for Dr. Joseph Meloche's temporary replacement, but the district will search nationwide for a permanent head of schools.

On July 1, Meloche will begin a new role as superintendent of Rose Tree Media School District in Pennsylvania. The Cherry Hill Board of Education held its first public discussion Tuesday on the matter of finding a replacement.

• Read more: Superintendent To Leave Cherry Hill: What's Next For The District?

The board decided to immediately begin a local search for an interim superintendent, who will take the role before Meloche departs on June 30. As far as a permanent replacement, the board "is committed to conducting a thoughtful and thorough search for a permanent superintendent," Board President Miriam Stern wrote in a letter to the district community.

She and Board Vice President Joel Mayer initiated the hiring of a professional search firm to lead the district through a national search. Community stakeholders, administrators, staff and students will be invited to participate in the process and provide input, Stern says.

Stern credited Meloche for obtaining significant increases in state funding, implementing full-day kindergarten, focusing on inclusivity and diversity, and convincing voters to approve a $363 million bond referendum.

Rose Tree Media's school board voted Thursday to approve Meloche for its superintendent position. Meloche became Cherry Hill's superintendent in August 2015, becoming the first district alumnus to take the role. His latest contract with Cherry Hill, approved in 2021, was set to expire June 30, 2026.