Alfred Vail School Welcomes New Principal

On Sept. 7, students at Alfred Vail School will meet their new principal.

Janet Kellman succeeds Anita Barber, who retired after 40 years. The run-up to this year's semester has been, in Kellman's words, "hectic, but not chaotic."

Kellman's prior duty was as principal of the Lamont, Lamont Annex and Lafayette elementary schools in Bound Brook. She has been an educator since 1991, a career track she said "is near and dear to my heart. I truly believe I was born and called to do this."

The path to being a principal started out in a much different manner. Although she always wanted to be a teacher, Kellman said she was discouraged initially by her sister, a great influence in her life. Kellman changed course and went on to receive a Bachelor of Science degree in management and economics at Ithaca College in New York, and used those skills in various positions with A&S Department Stores and Sharp Electronics.

Fate intervened after the birth of her first child in 1989 when, after extended periods of working from home and on a limited schedule, Kellman recognized her first love was still education and chose to pursue this as her life's work. She went on to receive a master's in early childhood education from Adelphi University.

Education is a path Kellman feels she would always have found, regardless of circumstances, she said. 

While having a background in the managerial sector is a useful skill set, Kellman is quick to add, "[The educational training] programs offered now have a nice blend of those same skills. People entering the field of education really understand the concept of management now."

She also said her previous work has enabled her to become a force within the educational structure, recognizing the value of motivating people and of collaborative decision-making.

"It has worked very well for me," Kellman said.

"Her experience as an educational leader, her track record of successful professional development initiatives and strong interpersonal skills made her stand out from among a pool of highly-qualified applicants," Superintendent Thomas Ficarra said of Kellman.

"The process of selecting a new principal starts with the applications submitted to the human resources department," said Mary Donohoe, director of public relations for the Morris School District. "The applications go before a committee comprised of the administration, parents and teachers. After they've made their selection, it goes to the superintendent."

From there, a sight visit was made with Kellman at the Bound Brook school for further evaluation. Finally, Ficarra made his decision.

Kellman said she's honored to be asked to fill Barber's "huge shoes."

For 2010/2011 school year, Kellman said, she'll need to first evaluate what is working in the school and what needs improvement, while making certain that the vision of the district's educational goals is being implemented.

This first year's priority will be that of getting to know her staff, her students and the Morristown community. She said her main intention is to make sure all the children and the staff have a safe learning and working environment.

Also, Kellman is impressed by Morristown in general.

"It's the richness of cultural diversity here. Everyone has something to bring to the table," she said.

Kellman said even as the Morris School District—like other school systems throughout the state—faces difficult financial times, the district will persevere.

"Great teachers have the capacity to turn nothing into something. That's why you want to attract the finest, most passionate teachers into the system," Kellman said.

Kellman currently lives in East Brunswick and plans to commute to the Alfred Vail School this year, after which she may choose to move to the area, a life change she has discussed with her husband. Moving now is not a consideration, as she has no intention of uprooting her daughter, currently in her final year of high school.

Kellman said she doesn't mind the nearly hour-long commute, as she appreciates the time for reflection. She also takes the coming autumn weather into account.

"It's going to be lovely," she said.