BY PATRICIA KELLER
WEST MILFORD - Superintendent of Schools Dr. Alex Anemone recently announced the resignations of two West Milford elementary school principals effective at the end of this school year.
The announcements followed the official approvals of the two principals for appointments to positions in other school districts.
Apshawa Elementary School Principal Stephanie Primavera was approved by the Fair Lawn Board of Education on March 28 to the position of Principal at the Henry B. Milnes Elementary School, effective Aug. 1.
Marshall Hill Principal Janet Cash was approved by the Franklin Lakes Board of Education on Tues, April 2 to the position of Director of Special Services and Counseling, effective July 1.
Apshawa Principal Stephanie Primavera
Stephanie Primavera has been principal of Apshawa Elementary School in West Milford for the past six years.
Primavera is a graduate of William Paterson University with a B.A. in Psychology, an M.A. in Education with a concentration in Language Arts. She also holds both her supervisor’s endorsement and principal’s certificate.
Prior to her hire in West Milford, Primavera was an elementary school teacher for 11 years in the Butler School District, serving as the head teacher for both second and third grades.
In December, 2018, Primavera was named a “Distinguished Elementary Educator” by the New Jersey Department of Education - a prestigious award given out to a select few individuals in the entire State.
Primavera was accompanied by a convoy of her Apshawa friends and colleagues as she was recognized for this achievement by the West Milford Board of Education at the February 2019 meeting.
“On behalf of the West Milford Board of Education, our students, parents, and staff, I would like to thank Mrs. Primavera for six outstanding years at Apshawa School," Anemone said in a recent blog post. "During her tenure in West Milford, Apshawa School was named a State and National School of Character. In addition, Mrs. Primavera has fostered a love of reading within the school community and she will be missed by all stakeholders.”
Fair Lawn Superintendent of Schools Nick Norcia stated at the March 28 Fair Lawn BOE meeting (at which Primavera was presented for hire) that she will be replacing the current Milnes Elementary School Principal, Joseph Fulco - who is retiring after 10 years in the position.
Norcia said that the Fair Lawn School District conducted an extensive search for Fulco's replacement - having received 200 applicants for the position. “Stephanie blew us away time and time again,” he said.
Norcia said that he and the search committee were impressed with Primavera's professional experience and background, “glowing references”, and working knowledge of what the job entails on a day to day basis.
He said that Primavera “is everything we were looking for in an Elementary School Principal”; “Somebody we felt would relate to our families really well, and somebody I'm proud to bring to the Board tonight.”
Primavera was unanimously approved for the position by the Fair Lawn BOE. She will begin in her new position at a salary of $141,465, effective Aug. 1, 2019.
“I am excited to begin a new chapter in a new community," she said. "However, I will be leaving a piece of my heart at Apshawa.”
“Moving forward, we will advertise for her replacement and convene a committee of stakeholders to assist us in the process," Anemone said. "Additional information will be shared with the Apshawa community throughout this process.”
Primavera's last day at Apshawa School will be July 31.
Marshall Hill Principal Janet Cash
Janet Cash was hired as Principal of Marshall Hill Elementary School in West Milford effective July, 2017.
Cash, a resident of the township, is a graduate of Miami University with B.F.A. in Art and B.S. in Art Education.
She served as Outdoor Program Director for Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey, from 2007-2010, Lake Rickabear Day Camp Director from 2010-2013, and continues to be involved with the organization as a Volunteer.
Prior to her hire in West Milford, Cash was a Teacher of Art and Special Education in the Franklin Lakes School District from 2010-2017, during which time she earned her M.Ed. in Special Education and M.A. in Educational Leadership from Montclair State University.
On April 4, Cash was be one of six women honored by the Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey (GSNNJ) at the organization's 36th Annual Women of Achievement event. Cash was selected to be the recipient of the Elinor J. Ferdon Young Woman of Promise Award at this year's event.
According to the organization, the event honors the professional and personal achievements of local women leaders, celebrates female empowerment with an inspirational program, and raises funds to deliver the Girl Scout Leadership Experience to girls in underserved communities.
According to a press release from the scouting organization about the event, President and CEO of GSNNJ Betty Garger stated: “These women are incredible role models for the girls and young women we service.” She said, “They show our girls and young women what can be accomplished with dedication and hard work.”
“On behalf of our students, parents, and Marshall Hill staff, I would like to thank Mrs. Cash for her service and commitment to our students," Anemone said in a blog post Wednesday. "During her tenure in West Milford, Marshall Hill was named a State School of Character and she has been able to develop a culture of inclusion across general and special education.”
On Tuesday, the Franklin Lakes Board of Education approved the appointment of Janet Cash as the Director of Special Services and Counseling for the Franklin Lakes School District for the 2019-20 school year, at a salary of $120,000.00, effective July 1, 2019 – June 30, 2020.
“It has been an honor and pleasure to serve as the Principal of Marshall Hill School," Cash said. "As a school community, we have accomplished so much together. One goal, in particular, was becoming a State School of Character through Character.Org. As we await on our National School of Character results we will continue to support, nurture and include all our students in amazing academic and community activities. As a local community member, I will continue to support all that we do to support our children in the West Milford Township School District.”
“We have already advertised for this position and will involve a committee of Marshall Hill stakeholders to assist us in this process," Anemone said. "Additional updates will be forthcoming as soon as possible.”