Bruce Arcurio will take over when Dick Scheetz retires on July 1.
By John Tredrea
Bruce Arcurio will take over as principal of Bear Tavern Elementary School on July 1, when Dick Scheetz will retire after a long career in education, most of it in the Hopewell Valley Regional School District.
The full Hopewell Valley school board voted unanimously Monday night to hire Mr. Accurio, who attended the board meeting with his wife, Amy, and their young daughter, Madeline.
The hire came at the recommendation of a committee of administrators, counselors, teachers, parents and students involved in the search for a replacement for Mr. Scheetz.
Mr. Arcurio will resign from his position as principal of East Amwell Township School in Ringoes to come to Hopewell Valley. He has a master’s degree in educational administration from Rowan University and a bachelor’s degree in English from Rutgers. He has worked as an assistant principal and English teacher as well as a principal.
"A school should be a family," Mr. Arcurio said during the board meeting after being hired. "I appreciate being welcomed into the Bear Tavern family with my wife and daughter."
Richard Lang, district human resources director, said he was "very happy" with how the hiring process had gone. That process, which began Nov. 3, was "as collaborative and inclusive as possible," he said.
During the meeting, Bear Tavern guidance counselor Kevin Kerwin told Mr. Arcurio, "We’re excited about your enthusiasm and caring for children and look forward to working with you during the years ahead."
Mr. Arcurio’s starting annual salary will be $103,000.

