Shore Regional Interim Superintendent Ready For New Year

Renae LaPrete says she feels a sense of family and camaraderie at Shore Regional High School.

"I think what sets it apart is the size and the fact that everybody is like a family," LaPrete said. "It's almost like a private school. I got that feeling as soon as I walked in."

LaPrete, of Wall, was appointed the Principal/Interim Superintendent of Shore Regional High School on June 28, shortly after former superintendent Leonard Schnappauf announced his retirement after holding the position for 15 years.

"I thank him for helping me with the transition," LaPrete said.

In March, the Shore Regional Board of Education formed an ad hoc committee to form a transition plan in the event that Schnappauf retired. Now, the committee is helping LaPrete with her new job and is also looking for a long-term replacement.

"They are working on the transition, and down the road they will find a replacement, but for now I am fulfilling the duties of a full time superintendent," LaPrete said.

LaPrete said she was given a one year contract with the school.

Now, after two weeks on the job, she said she has enjoyed the experience.

"There's a sense of family with everybody trying to help each other daily," she said. "Shore is a wonderful institution, and the teachers are very engaged."

LaPrete has made several stops before coming to Shore Regional. She has been a Health and Physical Education Supervisor at Elizabeth Public Schools, a High School Assistant Principal and High School Principal at Rahway Public Schools.

She was also an Assistant Superintendent and Superintendent of Hazlet Public Schools and the Interim Superintendent of Clark Public Schools.

LaPrete said she has some ideas for the school year and is working on implementing them now.

She said she is working on setting up a pep rally, something the school has not had for years. School spirit is something that is important to LaPrete and she said she would like students to feel the same way.

She said she is still learning about the school, including its faculty and students, but that the experience has been pleasant.

"I'm still meeting students and staff and everyone is so supportive," LaPrete said.