Ridgeway Principal Promoted To Manchester Curriculum Director

Ridgeway Elementary School Principal Diane Pedroza was named the Manchester Township School District’s new director of curriculum, after the Board of Education approved the promotion recommended by Superintendent David Trethaway last week.

Pedroza will replace Thomas Baxter, who is retiring from the position he has held since 2011.

“During her tenure with the Manchester Township School District, Mrs. Pedroza has demonstrated an excellent work ethic and is well respected by staff and her peers,” Trethaway said in a statement that was shared at the board meeting, which he missed due to a death in his family.

“Diane is extremely knowledgeable about curriculum issues, staff development and special education,” he said. “She is very enthusiastic for a new challenge and her willingness to be a district curriculum leader is evident. I believe she will be an outstanding asset to our central office.”

Although her promotion is effective Sept. 1, Pedroza will remain at Ridgeway for the start of the school year while the search for her replacement is conducted. Business Administrator Craig Lorentzen said her salary has not been determined yet.

Pedroza has a bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University and a naster’s from Monmouth University. She has been the principal of Ridgeway School for the past seven years. She worked as an elementary teacher in a private school for five years before coming to Manchester 15 years ago as a special education reading/language arts teacher at the middle school. After teaching at the middle school for seven years, she was promoted to vice principal and also served as acting principal of that school.

Baxter, who has worked for the district for 17 years, “has been extremely loyal to the district and is well respected by his colleagues and staff,” Trethaway said. “He has been a valuable asset to the Central Office Staff and to me personally. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Thomas for his outstanding service, congratulate him on an excellent career and wish him good luck in his retirement.