Search Under Way to Replace School Principal

Following Hazel Avenue Elementary School Principal Marguerite De Carlo's retirement in June, a search for a replacement is now under way. 

The district received about 200 applications for the position, according to West Orange Public Schools District Superintendent Dr. Anthony Cavanna, who recently hosted a meeting with more than 100 school parents, staff and community members to discuss the search process.

Cavanna said the applicant pool has since been narrowed down to 16. He said six to seven semi-finalists will go before a search committee within the next month-and-a-half that includes four parents, three teachers and three district administrators. Of that grouping, up to four finalists will be presented to the township's board of education, who will make the final hiring decision.

School officials said the applicant names are confidential to protect their identity from current employers. Salary for the position depends on experience.

Tracey Clarke, of West Orange, and a parent whose child attends Hazel Avenue Elementary School, is interested in a principal who can be fiscally resourceful.

"With the current budgetary concerns, the new principal needs to be able to assess the changing needs of the school," said Clarke. "Using methods such as grant research and writing, community partnerships and volunteering, the principal can create varied resources and options for staff, students and families, to receive additional curriculum support, staff development and programs for families."

The school's Parent Teacher Association President Jonathan Ridley had initial involvement in the search process by nominating search committee members to school district officials.

"When it comes to diversity, there is a disparity in the student body versus West Orange's school administration," said Ridley. "We need a school administration that's more representative of our diverse student body."

Ridley said he is hopeful that the district will move in this direction with their hiring practices.

Cavanna indicated that some parents were interested in a bilingual principal who speaks both English and Spanish.

"The board of education has a policy where members of the community are involved in the process," said Cavanna. "Principals stay around for 10, 20 years ... the policy supports a school culture that's best for the kids."

School officials said they plan to announce the school's new principal by the start of the school year.