HIGHTSTOWN: Interim school superintendent resigns early

By Amy Batista, Special Writer
HIGHTSTOWN – The East Windsor Regional School District interim superintendent has resigned a month early, leaving the district to hire its third interim in the last year.
“Due to unforeseen personal reasons, interim Superintendent Thomas Gialanella resigned his position in the East Windsor Regional School District effective Oct. 31,” wrote Assistant Superintendent Debbie Feaster Wednesday in an email.
Ms. Feaster said that effective Nov. 1 the board appointed Dr. Patrick Piegari as interim superintendent.
Mr. Gialanella has in the past expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to work with the East Windsor Regional School District and has stated that he was impressed with the quality of the staff, both instructional and non-instructional, and the students.
The Board of Education expressed its gratitude to Mr. Gialanella for the time spent in the district. In a statement on the East Windsor Regional School District website, district officials said that he “provided excellent leadership and demonstrated a strong commitment to our students and staff.”
Dr. Piegari is the third interim superintendent hired since Dr. Edward Forsthoffer resigned more than a year ago. James Baker was the interim superintendent hired after Dr. Forsthoffer resigned to take the superintendent position at Bordentown Regional School District in July 2014. When Dr. Baker resigned earlier this year, Mr. Gialanella was hired July 1 as the next interim superintendent.
“Dr. Piegari will hold the position as interim for the month of November,” said Ms. Feaster
She said that Dr. Piegari has extensive educational experience with more than 44 years in education.
“He has 16 years of extensive experience as a superintendent of schools in K-8 and K-12 school districts,” she said. “He also possesses extensive experience in urban, suburban, and rural school districts, in addition to 10 years experience as Executive County Superintendent of Schools.”
Effective Dec. 1, Dr. Richard Katz will assume the role as superintendent of the East Windsor Regional School District, she said.
“Dr. Katz is working closely with Dr. Piegari, district administrators and the Board of Education to ensure the smooth operation of the district until he begins his tenure,” said Ms. Feaster.
Dr. Katz, who is leaving the Saddle Brook School District where he is currently serving as superintendent, will earn $167,500 as superintendent of the East Windsor Regional School District when the board voted to hire him during its Sept. 21 meeting. The Saddle Brook School District is also a Pre-K-12 district that is located in Bergen County, as previously reported.
He has already been active in the district, meeting with staff, visiting schools, and attending Board meetings, according to the website.