A former administrator in the Jackson School District will return to the community as superintendent of schools.
Stephen Genco, who left Jackson three years ago to become the superintendent of the South Plainfield School District in Middlesex County, has been named by the Board of Education as Jackson’s new educational leader.
Genco will take the reins of a school district that has an enrollment of about 9,200 K-12 students in 10 schools. During the 2014-15 school year, the Jackson School District will operate on a budget of $144.3 million.
South Plainfield has a K-12 enrollment of about 3,800 students in eight schools.
Genco is expected to be in Jackson by the time the new school year begins, according to district officials. He will succeed Lu Anne Meinders, who retired as superintendent earlier this year.
An interim superintendent has been in charge of the district since Meinders stepped down.
Board members voted on May 27 to hire Genco, who was Jackson’s assistant superintendent before being named superintendent in South Plainfield. Genco’s work in Jackson included directing the human resources department, as well as some work with the district’s curriculum, and the implementation of guidelines contained in New Jersey’s Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying law.
Genco’s appointment is pending the approval of his contract by the executive county superintendent of schools, according to information provided by Jackson administrators. His initial salary will be $177,500, according to the district.
“Dr. Genco is the best of both worlds — he has a solid sense of the Jackson community, but he has also gained valuable leadership experience outside of our district,” board President Barbara Fiero said.
“He knows our history and our values, but he can also see us with fresh eyes and invigorate us with fresh ideas. Dr. Genco was an asset to the district during his time here and he has gained valuable experience as a sitting superintendent,” she said. “I have every confidence in his ability to lead us through the challenges we know are ahead.” Genco began his career in education as a science teacher with a focus on physics and chemistry. He became vice principal of Point Pleasant Borough High School, principal of Wall Township Intermediate School and served for five years as principal of Wall Township High School before being named assistant superintendent of the Jackson School District in 2008. After leaving Jackson, he served for three years as superintendent in South Plainfield.
“In a sense, it’s like I’m coming home,’’ Genco said. “I grew up in Ocean County and I loved my time in Jackson. I am so looking forward to working again with Jackson’s cadre of talented professionals.”
Genco said although he is excited to come back to Jackson, leaving his current position is “bittersweet.”
“I care very much about South Plainfield and I am very proud of the things we have accomplished there in a short amount of time,” he said. “But when this opportunity came up to get back to a place I also love and to challenge myself professionally in a larger district, I felt the calling to come back home.”
Genco said he is grateful for the opportunity to shepherd Jackson through what promises to be a very challenging time in education.
“I already know the caliber of people we have in Jackson, and they are outstanding,” he said. “I am looking forward to helping the board develop a strategic plan that allows us to capitalize on that strength and develop it even further in all areas — curriculum, finance, facilities, technology and community engagement.”
Genco’s five-year contract begins Sept. 1 or sooner, pending a release date from his current district. Interim Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Simone will remain in Jackson until he begins his tenure, according to district officials. Simone replaced Meinders, who submitted her retirement due to health concerns.