Middle school assistant principal position filled

New hire will receive $90,000 per year and will start work Jan. 1

BY JANE MEGGITT Staff Writer

MILLSTONE – A familiar face at the Millstone Township Middle School will have a new job next month.

Matthew Howell, who currently serves as a remedial reading teacher in the Millstone Township School District, was unanimously voted into the assistant principal position at the middle school during the Nov. 26 Board of Education meeting.

Howell, who is replacing exiting Assistant Principal Steven Vitiello, will receive a prorated salary of $90,000 per year and will begin work on Jan. 1, 2008.

Superintendent of Schools Mary Anne Donahue said that Howell has seven years of teaching experience in the district and that he went through a rigorous interview process for the assistant principal position.

“He will be a wonderful addition to the middle school team,” she said, “and he has the support of the middle school teachers.”

Howell, 35, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English education from Montclair State University in Upper Montclair and received a Master of Arts degree in educational leadership from Seton Hall University in South Orange.

He hails from Toms River and lives with his wife in Neptune City.

When asked about the challenges that the middle school is facing, Howell said that some of the biggest challenges involve the ability to address the diverse needs of the modern learner.

“We are well equipped to do this, and I am excited to continue to help the school grow and progress in a positive fashion,” he said.

Howell added that the greatest strength of the school is the staff.

“They are true professionals who care about helping their students reach their full potential,” Howell said. “The teachers at Millstone Middle School are deeply concerned about their students’ success.”

Howell said it is important that the residents in the community know that he is there for them. He also said he wants to see their children receive an education of excellence.

As far as his philosophy for education, Howell said that as an educator, he believes that all students can succeed.

“I believe it is crucial that we provide opportunities for them to think critically about themselves and the world in which they live,” he said. “I also feel that it is imperative that we provide them the skills to meet the challenges that await them as they pursue their goals and dreams.”

Howell said he is extremely excited about the opportunity he has been given as the new assistant principal.