School Board Approves New Westwood High Principal, Science Supervisor

The Westwood Regional Board of Education approved Dr. Matthew Certo as the new principal of Thursday.

Certo is currently the assistant principal as Ramsey High School, where he has worked for nine years. He has a doctorate from Columbia University.

He said he is looking forward to joining the school's community.

"Westwood Regional has been investing heavily in their future," Certo said. There's a very positive vibe among the students and staff.

Certo will be replacing Thomas Gorman, who will after this school year to be the new principal of Ridgewood High School. Gorman has been the principal of Westwood Jr./Sr. High School for five years.

Superintendent Dr. Geoffrey Zoeller said he will miss Gorman, but believes Certo is an excellent choice for the role.

"Matt comes to us with a long and prestigious career," Zoeller said.

Certo is scheduled to start June 1.

Board Approves New Science Supervisor

The board also approved Brian Faehndrich as the district's new K-12 science supervisor Thursday.

Faehndrich holds a bachelor's degree from Columbia and a master's from Fairleigh Dickinson University. He has worked at Bergen Tech High School in Teterboro for seven years.

"I think this school is a real up-and-comer," Faehndrich said. "There's a lot going on here."

Zoeller said he is looking forward to bringing Faehndrich on board in the district.

"We're certainly excited to have him come take over our highly-acclaimed science program," Zoeller said.

Faehndrich is scheduled to join the district September 1.

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