Video: West Orange School Superintendent Bids District Adieu

WEST ORANGE, NJ — A torch is passing in the West Orange Public School District.

On Tuesday, outgoing school superintendent Scott Cascone offered the community a video greeting and note as he prepares to pursue his next career change (watch the video below).

Cascone announced his resignation in January. The West Orange Board of Education has hired Dr. C. Lauren Schoen as the district's interim superintendent.

• See related article: West Orange School Superintendent Announces Resignation
• See related article: West Orange School District Hires Interim Superintendent

In his outgoing note to the school community, Cascone said that he is confident the district is in capable hands with Schoen. He wrote:

"I hope this finds you all well. Last night I joined the West Orange Board Education for my final meeting. I have been truly grateful and humbled by the many kind words shared with me by the staff, students, parents, guardians, caregivers and the community at large. I wish I could have seen each and every one of you but know that you are all in my thoughts and in my heart. The last two weeks transitioning with Dr. Schoen has been incredibly constructive; I relinquish the helm to her with every confidence that the district is in extremely capable and committed hands.

"Even with all the challenges through which we have lived and worked over the course of the last two years, there is absolutely no place I would have rather been than right here in West Orange. I am so proud of the work we’ve done together to reestablish civil discourse, transparent communication, and collaboration for the best interest of our students. I have no doubt that as we continue to move towards a greater degree of normalcy that our district is well poised to make great strides.

"This district has all the ingredients for success and stability, an engaged and thoughtful parent population, a hardworking and caring staff and leadership team, and an outstanding Board of Education. I truly cannot fully express my gratitude to our Board of Education. Their support, thoughtful, conscientious, and committed service will continue to serve this district very well as you navigate the transitions ahead.

"As I look to the future with hopeful enthusiasm, it is not without a heavy heart that I bid farewell to the mighty WO. We will, however, always have these times in which we’ve laughed, cried, and labored; they will bind us together forever.

"I wish you and yours all the best for continued good health, happiness and professional success and fulfillment."

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