UPPER TOWNSHIP — The Upper Township School District sent a letter to parents just before Thanksgiving announcing a search for a new superintendent of schools.
Superintendent of Schools Vincent J. Palmieri Jr. and Board of Education President Michele Barbieri signed the letter.
“Dear Families, At this moment in time, the BOE and I have agreed that the best thing for the District is for me to move on and allow the BOE to begin a new search for its next educational leader; sooner than later,” the letter, dated Nov. 22, begins.
“Effective January 1, 2023, please send all questions and inquiries to the Business Administrator (ryan@upperschools.org) who will be able to provide further assistance until a successor has been named.
“We are very proud of the progress that has been made over the past 20 years and wish the District nothing but the best as it prepares for the transition. Thank you to all the stakeholders who supported our work and helped us to make our District what it is today. I will truly miss you and our staff; however, I will miss your children the most,” the letter continues.
“It is our hope that the support and collaboration I have received will be afford to the new superintendent and his or her initiatives.
“On behalf of the BOE, the administration and staff, Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
“Yours in Education. Mr. P. (and) Michele Barbieri.”
An advertisement that appeared Saturday, Dec. 3, in a local paper states “superintendent vacancy,” describing its ideal candidate as “dynamic” with a “demonstrated commitment to the social, emotional and academic needs of all students.”
“A successful candidate will possess the ability to foster a shared vision for constant improvement, promote continuous and supportive professional growth for all staff and show evidence of proven success with curricular and programmatic change,” the ad states.
The board also wants a leader who would advocate for local, regional and national education initiatives and could strategically plan and creatively use human and financial resources.
Listed qualifications are New Jersey school administrator endorsement, elementary/middle school experience and five plus years of central office/principal experience.
The position is available July 1, 2023.
Messages left for Palmieri and Business Administrator Laurie Ryan on Monday were not returned.
By DAVID NAHAN and CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff