Interim HS Principal Starts One Month Earlier

Linda Simmons will now begin the interim period as high school principal a month earlier than originally planned as Steve Forte, exiting principal, is now leaving the district Nov. 30 rather than Dec. 31.

Forte, who is leaving to take the superintendent position in Verona, confirmed Monday that his last day is Nov. 30. Board of Education President Josephine Ciocia said the board agreed to allow Forte to leave a month earlier in response to a request from Verona School District.

Earlier this month . She will still serve as the head of the middle school during this time period as well. She will be assisted by two educators Joseph Mastropietro and Catherine Cassidy who will serve as interim assistant principals during this time period.

The interim period is said to last until June 30, 2012. Dr. Mark Porto, superintendent of schools, stated at the most recent Board of Education meeting that the trustees and administration will discuss the future structure of the school administration as to what it should look come July 1 of next year.

Forte has been with the district since 2006. He first served as principal of and was later named Director of Curriculum and Technology. That position was eliminated when he was named principal of the high school February of this year.

Simmons has been with the district for more than nine years serving first as principal of before being named principal of the middle school this past February.