Board selects district chief

By: Cara Latham
   BORDENTOWN TOWNSHIP — The Bordentown Regional Board of Education has hired Albert Monillas from a list of six finalists as the district’s new superintendent.
   Mr. Monillas, who is currently the assistant commissioner of the state Department of Education, will replace current Superintendent John Polomano, who plans to retire June 30.
   Mr. Polomano said Tuesday that the school board voted on the decision at its Feb. 21 meeting. Mr. Monillas previously served as superintendent in Upper Township, Cape May County, and of Maurice River Schools in Cumberland County, Mr. Polomano said.
   When asked what the district liked about Mr. Monillas, Mr. Polomano said that he couldn’t speak for the board, but "from my perspective, I think that the board liked the fact that he had experience as a superintendent," he said. "That was something they were really looking for."
   Mr. Polomano said Mr. Monillas had visited the school district a number of times to present it with awards from the state DOE.
   "He knows the district, and he really, after working for the state, had a real quick desire to get back into a district and work directly with the kids and staff," Mr. Polomano said.
   Mr. Monillas was out of his office this week and could not be reached for comment by Register-News deadline.
   His contract is still under negotiation, so a salary has not yet been determined, Mr. Polomano said.
   Mr. Monillas lives in Cape May with his wife, who is a teacher. They have two children, Mr. Polomano said.