District to Get Stronger, Schools Chief Says

Dave Mango came to Hackettstown because it has a strong school district. 

And his goal is to make it even stronger.

Mango, the district’s superintendent since July 1, has plans to enhance the high school’s advanced placement offerings and help students transition better from grade school to ninth grade. 

“We’re in a society of ‘we want it right now,’” Mango said. “But plans take time to develop and implement, and we’re working on getting there.”

One of the draws to the Hackettstown School District for the former Becton Schools chief was Willow Grove Elementary school’s designation as a Reward School by the state.

A reward school is named for having outstanding student achievement or growth over the past three years. Willow Grove is one of just 112 in the state, and the only reward school in Warren County.

Also standing alone is Hackettstown High School, which was named the top among six high schools in Warren County by the Star Ledger.

“I like that the district is a K-12 and there’s consistency in the curriculum,” Mango said. “We have the ability to have shared services with surrounding towns, especially with the very good programs we have.”

New Job, Double Duty

As Mango champions the idea of shared services, it’s the Hackettstown Board of Education, along with the Great Meadows Regional school board that is truly looking to help one another.

At a recent September board meeting in Great Meadows, the district’s governing body adopted a resolution that would allow Mango to also be the superintendent of that district.

“The county superintendent’s office has been terrific during this process,” Mango said. “Dr. Lamonte has been very collaborative and helpful throughout.”

Hackettstown's board of education approved to enter into an agreement of shared services at its Wednesday, Sept. 26 meeting. Mango will begin double duty on Oct. 1.

Regardless of district or workload, Mango says he’s ready to make strides in education.

“We have our work cut out for us,” he said. “But I want to focus on education. It’s going to be a process that we’ll build brick by brick.”

Less than three months on the job, it seems Mango has already constructed a solid foundation.