New W. Orange School Superintendent Is Bilingual, ‘Trailblazer'

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The West Orange Public School District officially has a new superintendent: Scott Cascone.

On Wednesday, the West Orange Board of Education announced the unanimous appointment of Cascone to the district’s top administrative post. He will take the helm at the 6,700+ student school district on July 15.

Cascone’s appointment comes after a “comprehensive, multi-month search,” BOE members stated.

“I am eager to become part of this amazing community,” Cascone said. “The opportunity to bring my skill sets and passion to a district of this stature is captivating. I’m looking forward to meeting, listening, and working with the staff, students, and community members as we take West Orange Public Schools into the next successful phase of their already-impressive journey.”

“The West Orange Board of Education is beyond excited to bring Dr. Cascone’s wisdom and forward-thinking approach to our district,” BOE President Ken Alper said.

“Dr. Cascone is exactly what our district needs to drive our academic performance, successfully enhance our communication practices, and reinforce trust within the community,” Alper continued. “He is a proven diversified leader who understands the needs of all student groups, including those who excel, those with special needs, all those in the middle, and those who speak one of the 48+ languages spoken at home in our district.”

Learn more about Cascone’s qualifications.

West Orange district administrators offered the following biographical details about Cascone:

“Cascone brings to West Orange more than two decades of experience in the field of education, spanning all facets of the industry including classroom teaching, on the field coaching, department supervision, building administration, and central office administration. Most recently Cascone served as Executive Director of Academics at Old Bridge Township Schools, overseeing all curriculum, instruction, and assessments for the 8,000 student district. AP and SAT participation and performance increased, and Old Bridge High School produced its highest scores in district history, consistently out-performing state and national averages.

“Cascone assumed multiple leadership roles throughout his career, including Department Supervisor of Social Studies, World Languages, and ESL; Director of Personnel and Special Projects at the Westwood Public Schools; and Principal of Westwood Regional Junior and Senior High School. At Westwood High School, Cascone raised college admissions to its highest rate in 10 years and boosted AP student participation by 30%.

“Cascone is a trailblazer; creating and leading the development of several innovative programs and initiatives including a “Parent University” providing classes to assist parents in supporting their children; “Project Unify,” a partnership with the Special Olympics fostering the inclusion of special needs students in sports, leadership, classes and clubs; and a “Kids to College” initiative exposing 4th graders to 18 local colleges and universities and a myriad of career paths.

“Dr. Cascone is a regular educational contributor on LinkedIn and has written several publications for the New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association (NJPSA) on topics including: Parental Perception of ESL, Education Compliance and Best Practices, and Technology’s Place in Today’s Education. He is an active member of the ASCD (Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development), the NJPSA (NJ Principals and Supervisors Association), and has served on the Curriculum Councils in Middlesex and Monmouth Counties.

“Dr. Cascone is proudly bilingual (English/Spanish) and has taught ESL (English as a Second Language and Spanish) in both the U.S. and Costa Rica. In 2014 he was named an honorary Latino American Who's Who, a publication that selects and distinguishes leading Latino professionals throughout the world who have attained a recognizable degree of success in their field and contribute to the growth of their industry and culture.

“Cascone received his Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership, Management, and Policy from Seton Hall University, his Master of Arts in Teaching and Second Language Acquisition from Fairleigh Dickinson University, and Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs and Minors in Latin American Studies and English from George Washington University.”

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