Principal Volpe chosen as human resources director
By Gene Robbins, Managing Editor
Hillsborough school board members dropped the position of assistant superintendent for personnel Monday, and created an administrative job for a human resources director.
Then the board plucked one of its own to fill the job.
Michael Volpe, principal of Hillsborough Elementary School, was chosen, at a salary of $146,822. His starting date in the new job is Feb. 1, at the latest, depending on when a replacement can be found at the elementary school.
The board’s vote on Mr. Volpe was 7-2. Board member Judith Haas said she wanted to see a true human resources professional in the job, as the job description called for.
"Dev" Dutta was the other no vote.
The board gravitated to dropping one of two assistant superintendent posts when Guy Whitlock resigned in May. He was paid about $156,550 annually, Ms. Haas said, and the board subsequently hired a parttime health benefits coordinator at $90 a day to help in the office.
Ms. Haas said the job description called for someone with personnel experience had projected a salary of $135,000.Combining Mr. Volpe’s salary with the parttime job, the district wasn’t saving any money, Ms. Haas said.
Mr. Volpe has served as principal of Hillsborough Elementary School (grades kindergarten to 4) since January 2006.
Prior to coming to Hillsborough, Mr. Volpe was the principal of Brooklake Elementary School in Florham Park.
Mr. Volpe began his educational administration career at Colonia High School where he served as the chair of the English Department and later as vice-principal. He received a bachelor’s degree in English education from the University of Delaware and a master’s degree in educational administration from Kean University.
Mr. Volpe’s said his goal will remain student success.
"Human resources is a critical department in this organization," he said. "It is our staff that serves as facilitators of individual student successes in the classroom."
Schools Superintendent Jorden Schiff said, "With Mike’s familiarity of our school district and the Hillsborough community, I am confident he will hit the ground running. Mike’s deep understanding of, and involvement with, the district’s Stronge Teacher Evaluation System is a great asset that he brings to this position."
The search for the next principal of Hillsborough Elementary School will begin immediately. The interview committee will consist of members of the Hillsborough Elementary School community, staff, and administration.