South Hunterdon principal tapped for Manville post

By Eileen Oldfield Staff Writer
   MANVILLE — Manville High School has approximately 420 students, and for newly appointed school Principal Donald Woodring, that’s just fine.
   ”I’ve spent my life in small schools; I went to small schools,” Mr. Woodring said. “I think there’s a lot to be said about the relationships you can build in a small school.”
   The Board of Education appointed Mr. Woodring as Manville High School principal, a $110,000 position, after interviewing the final two candidates for the job during an executive session at its Tuesday meeting.
   Mr. Woodring will start at the school on Oct. 1.
   ”Mr. Woodring has good experience as a principal,” District Superintendent Donald Burkhardt said. “The board felt he could continue the improvements at Manville High School, and help take Manville High School to the next level.”
   The board narrowed its applicant field to 10 people from the 30 who originally applied for the position. A second round of interviews last week narrowed the field further, before the final round of interviews on Tuesday.
   ”The board was impressed with all the candidates, and it was a very difficult decision,” Dr. Burkhardt said. “They think they got the best of a very good group.”
   Mr. Woodring said his initial introduction to education began when he was in college, and worked with special needs children at a YMCA summer camp — and promptly changed his major to special education upon returning to school.
   Mr. Woodring holds a Bachelor of Science in Special Education from Clarion University of Pennsylvania, a Master of Education from Holy Family University, a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Delaware Valley College. He is currently working on a doctoral dissertation at Widener University.
   Currently a principal at South Hunterdon Regional High School in Lambertville, Mr. Woodring has been principal at the 350-student, grades seven-12 school since 2003.
   Prior to becoming principal at South Hunterdon Regional High School, Mr. Woodring served as athletic director and assistant principal for one year, and taught special education students at the school for 14 years.
   ”In Manville, there’s a great work ethic,” said Mr. Woodring, who credits his strong work ethic to growing up on a farm. “They value a good day’s work. I think I fit in with a community that values hard work and a commitment to the school.”
   ”I’m excited about joining Manville,” Mr. Woodring added. “You look at NJ Monthly, and it’s one of the top 10 most improved schools. I think it’s really exciting to join a school and be part of that growth.”