By Amber Cox
FLORENCE About 60 residents, administration and faculty came out on a sunny morning to hear what the administrative lineup for their schools may look like after the expected departure of two principals and the superintendent in July.
The Board of Education held a special meeting Saturday to receive public input on the superintendent’s recommendation for administrative reorganization.
Superintendent Louis Talarico said he met with the Florence Township Administration Association (FTAA) following an initial meeting where reorganization was discussed.
”Our goal is to make this a seamless transition,” Dr. Talarico said. “I think that would work in Florence easily because the people that we will be reaching out to fill these positions obviously have a long history in the district and experience.”
Currently, the plan includes only an in-house search. Names were not released at the meeting as to where administrators might be placed.
”There are some adjustments that will take place but the bottom line is that we’re looking to focus on their strengths, individually and collectively,” Dr. Talarico said. “The success and experience of our administrators were key factors. Looking within our group wasn’t difficult for me. I could see where people would have the highest probability of success.”
Dr. Talarico said when he met with the FTAA he was very glad that members were open and involved in the discussion that took place. However, he said he tried to come up with a “profile that would make this process a successful one, especially as it impacts what goes on and teaching and learning in the classrooms.”
”We need a feeling within the school that’s positive,” he said. “The students, faculty and staff all need a sense of security.”
Dr. Talarico started explaining his recommendation by covering his plan for the Roebling School, which include grades kindergarten through third.
”The administrator that’s been involved in the school felt very strong that it would be important, given the demographics and dynamics of the staff, that it would be very productive and significant to consider a male presence in the school,” he said.
The principal, David Connor, is one of the administrative staff that is retiring in July.
Dr. Talarico said that for the Riverfront School, which includes grade fourth through eighth, it is important that the person is very experienced for the principal position.
”This is a very unique school because we have elementary and middle school students in the same building,” he said. “The person has to have a lot of training and experience and it’s important for this administrator to understand the middle school concept.”
The high school principal, Stephen Falcone, is the other administrative staff member that is retiring in July.
Dr. Talarico said he would like to get an administrator in the position who understands a college type environment.
”We need experience,” he said. “We need expertise, someone that will serve in a very high regard for our students. The administrator that would be in this position would have to be someone that serves with diligence.”
There is also a new hire position that will include a combination of special services, child study team and curriculum.
Dr. Talarico said anyone in a position of an administrator had to be ready for “anything and everything.”
”The ultimate goal is to make school a place where students can’t wait to come tomorrow,” he said. “When they come, we want someone here to get them engaged and involved. We want students that are happy.”
He said the Florence School District is ready to go “further than anyone ever imagined.”
High School Assistant Principal Maria Sadar received a standing ovation for her comments to the board. She said they need to really take a look at what they are doing and understand that the number of administrators in the high school building is not enough.
”There are parents waiting to talk to people and there’s no one to talk to them because we don’t have enough administration,” she said. “Ask the people in the front office, they have to deal with the public.”
She said as an administrator it has been very hard in the high school if an administrator has to leave the building for a day, leaving the school with just two.
”I have a life, too,” she said. “Lately, it’s just been here, but I’m not going to die here.”
Board President Emma Cartier said Ms. Sadar’s comments are the kind of things the board needs to hear.
”This is the type of information that this board needs,” she said. “I want to apologize for making you feel that way but this is the type of dialogue, this is the communication that we are asking for. I want to take this time to personally thank you for expressing that with us.”
High school counselor Vince Cipriano said he has been a member of the school staff for 30 years and has lived in the district for over 60. He said he is not happy about the fact that the board is searching for a new superintendent.
”This is my eighth superintendent and I’m not happy about that,” he said. “What are we doing every few years? You can’t pick them right?”
Mr. Cipriano said there is something wrong with the district if it keeps changing the person at the top of the totem pole.
”Let’s let Dr. Talarico do his job,” he said. “Unfortunately, he’s retiring, but let’s let the next person do their job. It’s not your (the board’s) job to do it.”

