SOMERS POINT — Jordan Road School Principal Ted Pugliese was hired March 27 as the new superintendent of the Somers Point School District, replacing Michelle CarneyRay-Yoder, who left the district in December after five years.
“Thank you very much for the opportunity to work together with the board and for the time and effort and consideration you put into this decision,” Pugliese said. “I appreciate everything you do for the community.”
He also thanked his wife, noting he met her in his second month as a biology teacher at Egg Harbor Township High School.
“She has been with me on this education journey for 25 plus years,” Pugliese said.
The vote was 7-1, with Heather Samuelson casting the lone vote against the hiring. She later informed the board of her resignation.
“This will be my last board meeting. After much contemplation and reflection, I have come to the decision to resign from this position,” Samuelson said. “Serving in this position has been an honor. I will continue my efforts to advocate for the students of Somers Point.”
Reached after the meeting, Samuelson said selecting a superintendent is one of the most important functions of a school board.
“As the only vote of dissent for the selected candidate, I weighed the potential impact of my continued service with the needs of my family. My decision to resign was ultimately made in the best interest of my family. Somers Point is a wonderful community and I wish Mr. Pugliese success in his new role,” she said.
According to a letter to the district from Board of Education President Staci DiMattia Endicott, the board held an extensive search that included five special meetings in addition to two monthly regular meetings.
Nearly two dozen candidates were screened, eight follow-up interviews and three finalist interviews were held, with performance tasks and presentations conducted.
More than 50 hours were meticulously dedicated to this critical process, prioritizing fidelity every step of the way, Endicott stated.
“Mr. Pugliese brings with him a wealth of experience, dedication and a deep-rooted commitment to fostering excellence in education and strength within the community,” the letter stated. “With 28 years of experience in the field of education, including 17 years as a principal, Mr. Pugliese has demonstrated his exceptional leadership skills and unwavering passion for student success.”
Endicott stated that Pugliese’s nearly two years as principal of Jordan Road School has been “marked by collaborative partnerships, stabilizing efforts and a steadfast focus on student achievement.”
Pugliese, who served in the U.S. Army during the Gulf War, is a member of AMVETS, American Legion Post 352 and the Knights of Columbus.
Endicott stated public feedback during the search “overwhelmingly favored the path of finding a candidate willing to make necessary improvements and changes in district operations to support improved student learning and achievement.
“Mr. Pugliese’s selection aligns closely with the priorities and expectations expressed by our stakeholders. His proven track record throughout the course of his career of promoting equity, fostering partnerships and raising student achievement resonates deeply with the values and goals of our district,” Endicott stated.
In addition, she stated, Pugliese “embodies the personal characteristics identified in the survey as essential for a successful superintendent, including his reputation as a problem solver, approachable demeanor, genuine authenticity and commitment to transparency.”
Endicott also expressed the board’s appreciation for the effort of Interim Superintendent Chris Kobik “for his invaluable assistance, leadership and expertise during his tenure in our district, as well as throughout this two-month-long superintendent search process.”
Prior to CarneyRay-Yoder’s hiring in July 2018, the district suffered two years without a permanent superintendent and five years of instability.
The Board of Education awarded CarneyRay-Yoder a contract through June 30, 2021, at which time she was the district’s longest-serving top administrator since superintendent Jeffrey Miller left in 2013.
The district had been dealing with a revolving door in leadership since Miller’s retirement, with Carney-Ray-Yoder becoming the fifth person in its top position in five years.
Robert Previti served as interim superintendent for one year following Miller’s retirement. He was followed by Bruce Greenfield, who was interim superintendent until Frank Vogel took over in January 2015.
Vogel, who was seen as a longterm solution, was awarded a five-year contract in 2014 but left to become superintendent of the Hamilton Township School District in July 2016 after just 18 months.
Thomas Baruffi, who previously served as superintendent for both Linwood and Mainland Regional High School districts, was hired as an interim superintendent to replace Vogel, serving through June.
– By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff