Parsippany Schools Seek New Curriculum Director

The one-year contract of Ruth Anne Estler, interim director of curriculum and instruction for the Parsippany-Troy Hills school district, expires at the end of this week. 

That's according to Superintendent of Schools LeRoy Seitz, who told Patch that interim administrators usually spend only a year in their positions.

Estler took the position at the end of the 2010-11 school year after the departure of her predecessor, Connie Donvito.

Seitz only has praise for Estler.

"Ruth Anne has done an excellent job, and I am impressed by her ability to come into a district and make substantial improvements in the area of curriculum," he said. "During her brief tenure she has work collaboratively with our teachers, supervisors and principals to revamp our remedial program for those few students that are struggling, helped the district work through the new, mandated observation/evaluation program and maintained the high level of achievement demonstrated by our students."

The superintendent specifically noted Estler's part in two of the district's biggest academic triumphs this year: the , and the recognition of Northvail Elementary as a rewards school. 

"I believe the changes she has spearheaded over the past year will result in improved test scores across the board and just for those few that are struggling to become proficient," Seitz said.

He added that the district is in the process of finding a permanent person to fill the position.

"For the district to move forward, we need a long-term person in this critical leadership position," said Seitz. "We have some excellent candidates for the position of director of curriculum."

The superintendent said he expects an appointment will be made shortly and announced as the next Board of Education meeting