SOUTH BRUNSWICK: New principal for Brooks Crossing

by Davy James, Staff Writer
   The South Brunswick Board of Education didn’t have to go far to find a replacement for retiring Brooks Crossing Elementary School Principal Gary Abbamont.
   Current Brooks Crossing Vice Principal Jodi Mahoney was named to fill the position during the board’s meeting Monday night.
   ”I’ve been here for over five years and have learned to love and respect this district,” Ms. Mahoney said. “I’m impressed with the curriculum work and professional development and want to see that continue as principal of the school where I’ve been vice principal.”
   Ms. Mahoney’s old position paid her a salary of $83,718 and her new position will pay $107,000. Her appointment becomes effective April 1 and will coincide with Mr. Abbamont’s retirement.
   Mr. Abbamont spent 36 years in South Brunswick as a student and then as an educator.
   Mr. Abbamont moved to Pennsylvania more than a year ago and will be accepting a position as an elementary school principal at the Wissahickon School District in Montgomery County, Pa., which is closer to his home.
   He graduated from South Brunswick High School in 1969 and began his career as an educator in the district in 1973.
   Mr. Abbamont’s current salary at Brooks Crossing is $133,826.
   Spokeswoman Rebecca Leonard said the district will not fill Ms. Mahoney’s current position. Brooks Crossing has two assistant principals, one which covers grades K-2 and one which covers grades 3-5.
   Assistant Principal Kelly Mooring, who covers grades K-2 will assume Ms. Mahoney’s position covering grades 3-5.
   Ms. Mahoney joined the district in 2004 in the position of assistant principal in charge of grades K-2.
   Before coming to the district she worked as an assistant principal, staff developer and teacher in the New York City Public School system.
   She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Wellesley College, a master’s degree in curriculum and teaching elementary education from Columbia University Teachers College and a master’s degree in education administration from New York University.