MANVILLE: Borough resident to lead Immaculata

Somerville high school chooses Jean Kline

By Geena Molinaro, Special Writer
Jean Kline of Manville has been appointed principal of Immaculata High School in Somerville, effective Aug. 11.
Ms. Kline, a graduate of Immaculata, will be the first lay person to serve as principal of the school.
She said she is looking forward to "working with dedicated educators, building on the outstanding tradition of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Sisters and meeting the challenges of high school education today through innovation and constant renewal."
Ms. Kline has experience working as a teacher, department head, administrator and principal of a diocesan high school, said Msgr. Seamus F. Brennan.
Most recently she was chair of the world languages department at Immaculata and had previously served as assistant principal. Ms. Kline had been principal at Cardinal McCarrick High School in South Amboy.
She has a master’s degree in education, administration and supervision from Seton Hall University."Her dedication to a rigorous academic program, collaborative style and total commitment to Immaculata’s mission and philosophy really stood out during the selection process," he said.
The selection committee of parents, faculty, a Catholic school principal, a member of the school advisory council, a representative of the diocesan Office of Schools and Msgr. Brennan reviewed more than 30 resumes.
Ellen Ayoub, diocesan superintendent of schools, said, Ms. Kline is aware of challenges faced by Catholic schools today and is prepared to handle them.
"I have great confidence that Mrs. Kline has the ability to foster a 21st century academic environment while honoring the solid foundation established by the IHM Sisters," said Ms. Ayoub.
Ms. Kline and her husband, Charlie, have two children
Immaculata is a four-year college preparatory co-educational, parochial school established in 1962.