'A Village': Manchester Interim Superintendent Looks Toward Future

MANCHESTER, NJ — The interim superintendent appointed when the Manchester Township Board of Education fired its superintendent a week ago says she is focused on bringing the school district together as a village.

Diane Pedroza, who had been greeted warmly at the district's schools with the return to classes on Monday following the week off for fall break, sent a letter to the district's staff and families for the reception she has received.

Pedroza was appointed interim on Nov. 7 at a special meeting of the Board of Education held in the wake of a public outcry after a Patch report on a lawsuit filed by Whiting Elementary School Principal Evelyn Swift that alleges the former superintendent, John Berenato, engaged in a pattern of age, gender and racial discrimination and tried to pressure her into retiring.

Berenato was fired that night after the board met in executive session for more than 90 minutes. Read more: Manchester Superintendent Firing: 'A Time To Heal'

Pedroza's letter on Friday thanked the Board of Education and the community "for having confidence in choosing me as Manchester Township School District’s Interim Superintendent of Schools."

"My professional career has been dedicated to the students, staff and families of Manchester Township for 23 years. It has been my pleasure and privilege to have spent my entire career educating the students and supporting the families and staff of Manchester. It is an incredible honor to now serve as your Interim Superintendent." she wrote.

"Manchester has been my home since I began as an English Teacher at Manchester Township Middle School in 2000. My administrative career began in 2007, when I became Vice Principal and eventually Acting Principal at MTMS. I was fortunate enough to continue my journey as the Principal at Ridgeway Elementary School. For the last 8 years, I have served as Manchester Township School District’s Director of Curriculum." she wrote.

"I am excited to bring my diverse experience to my new role. I have a deep dedication to the students, families, and community. Manchester Pride is woven into who I am and everything that I do," Pedroza wrote.

"I believe that when it comes to education 'it takes a village,' and I am grateful that you are all a part of this village. Together we will foster our motto 'Excellence by Example' by keeping it at the forefront of everything we do," she wrote.