By David Kilby, Staff Writer
CRANBURY — Former Chief School Administrator Carol Malouf will return to her former position, effective Dec. 1.
The decision was approved at a Board of Education meeting Monday. The meeting originally was scheduled for Nov. 29, but the board scheduled an “emergency meeting” to have the interim position confirmed as soon as possible.
”It went better than they (the board) thought,” said Joyce Picariello, school business administrator. “They met with Ms. Malouf, and she said she was interested so they decided to get this done sooner than later.”
”The board wanted to put the community at ease” and let them know it has someone in the leadership position, she said.
State law requires schools to have someone with CSA certification in the administrator position.
Ms. Malouf started her career as an English teacher. She worked for the Cranbury School District for 29 years. She was vice principal of Cranbury School for about 12 years, then served as CSA for about six years, then retired from in 2007, and John Haney took her place.
”She has experience with the district and knows the district and staff. She could hit the road running,” Ms. Picariello said.
”She was a logical choice because of her strong leadership,” said Wendi Patella, a member of the board. “We’re very grateful we’ll have someone with her depth of knowledge take this role.
Ms. Malouf’s contract states she will be in the CSA position until June 30 or whenever the school district finds a permanent CSA. Another meeting will take place Dec. 7 at 8 p.m., and the steps to find a permanent CSA will be discussed at that time.
The process of finding someone to fill such an important position typically takes several months, explained Ms. Patella.
The board hopes to have a permanent CSA by July 1, 2011. It is working on the processes and procedures necessary to find the right candidate.
”At this point, we’re just at the beginning stages,” Ms. Picariello said.
