Finding a New Principal for St. Cloud

Following the , school officials explained the process for a selecting new principal at last night’s board of education meeting. 

Addressing a room packed with more than 50 residents, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Anthony Cavanna assured parents that Geher will be greeting St. Cloud students on the first day of school. In accordance with his West Orange contract, Geher will remain with St. Cloud for 60 days following his resignation date. He is slated to work through the month of September, said Cavanna.

Geher, though, could be released sooner should a replacement be found during that time, Cavanna explained. The position will be advertised said Cavanna, and per board policy "they would hold meetings at the school to discuss the qualities they are looking for in a new principal." He said a screening committee would then be formed of administrators, teachers and parents.

Cavanna said the first step was to "get out a letter to the parents," which he is doing in part by working with St. Cloud PTA President Jill First. First will also help coordinate the parent aspect of the screening committee and help arrange discussion meetings at St. Cloud. Those meetings are still in the developmental stage. Parents and students will be advised of meetings once scheduled.

"Geher brought something very special to the school, a genuine open door policy, a connectedness with even the youngest of students, a hands-on approach to 'principaling' that was evident by the fact that he knew every single child's name at the school within the first month of the year and just seemed to be everywhere at once," said a St. Cloud parent, who was in attendance but chose to remain anonymous.

Regarding the search for his replacement the same parent commented, "You can be trained to be an administrator, but you can't be trained to have what Mr. Geher had. His replacement has a very tough act to follow."

Candidates both in and out of district will be reviewed for the job. Cavanna said out of district candidates would most likely be visited in their current position to help create a comprehensive profile. Once the interview process is narrowed down to the final candidates, Cavanna will then make a presentation to the board.

Cavanna said it is unsure when a new principal will start, "it could be December or January before we see a new permanent member in place." Come the first day of school though, "Geher will be there to meet and greet the students."

Cavanna concluded his discussion of the process and said he is "disappointed" in Geher's departure but wished him well. 

Continue to check Patch for more information on Tuesday night's meeting.