Hopewell gets new vice principal

By: John Tredrea
   After going through 60 resumes and interviewing 10 candidates for the job, the Hopewell Valley Regional Board of Education has hired a new vice principal for Hopewell Elementary School in Hopewell Borough.
   At the recommendation of Superintendent Robert Sopko, Hopewell Elementary principal Mike Fitzpatrick and a hiring team that included parents of children at the school as well as teachers and administrators, the school board voted unanimously at its Monday night agenda meeting to hire Christine Laquidara as the school’s new vice principal. She will start work Oct. 15.
   School district spokeswoman Deanna Munoz said Ms. Laquidara has a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a master’s degree in education from East Stroudsburg University, and a master’s in educational leadership from Rider University. Currently, she is working for the Office of Education Services for the New Jersey Department of Corrections.
   "She has further credits in counseling and psychology," Ms. Munoz said. "Ms. Laquidara is certified as a reading specialist, social studies teacher, supervisor and administrator."
   Ms. Laquidara was introduced to the school board Monday night by Mr. Fitzpatrick, who noted she has "18 years in education, including much work with special needs students."
   Ms. Laquidara told the board she was very happy to be coming to work here. "You have a lot to be proud of in this district," she said. "Among many other accomplishments, your communication with the public is wonderful."