Schools Chief Bids Farewell, Thanks District For Support, Success

While Mackey Pendergrast has been the West Morris Regional High School district’s superintendent for slightly more than three years, he’s been an educator there for 15 years, and is an alumnus.

So when he gave his parting thoughts at his final school board meeting recently, there were plenty of people he needed to thank.

Pendergrast, who will assume the same role in the Morris School District on June 1, spoke briefly about his colleagues both in the schools and on the board and how all parties joined to create a successful district.

“I want to give thanks, first to the teachers in this district,” Pendergrast said at the meeting on Monday. “They are the soul of these schools. The heart of a school is the encounter between student and teacher.”

The former teacher and guidance counselor went on to thank the district’s supervisors and administrators, including Dr. David Leigh and Douglas Pechanec, the Director of Special Services and Business Administrator, respectively.

“Ever central office needs wisdom,” Pendergrast said. “For us that is Dr. Leigh. He is the clearest thinker I know.
“Before I became the superintendent, I barely spoke with Doug,” he continued. “After I was hired, we spoke just about every day, including weekends. Doug cares about every student and every teacher in this district.”

On behalf of the board, president Gary Lakritz thanked Pendergrast for his work and assistance.

“Mackey was always thinking about how to make the place better,” Lakritz said. “He provided leadership on many issues and helped this board tremendously.”

Pendergrast’s last day in the district is May 31.