Carroll, a 14-year veteran of the Plumsted Township School District has taken new post with Middletown Township School District.
by James McEvoy, Managing Editor
PLUMSTED — Richard Carroll, a 14-year veteran of the Plumsted Township School District and current assistant principal and supervisor of athletics at New Egypt High School, has resigned his post to become athletic director of the Middletown Township School District.
The Plumsted Board of Education accepted Mr. Carroll’s resignation, effective July 31, at the June 26 meeting with a great deal of regret.
Dr. Karen Jones, superintendent of schools, thanked Mr. Carroll for his years of service to the district.
”I truly want to thank him for his efforts although I’ve only been with him for a short time and I certainly respect his leadership here,” Dr. Jones said. “I also want to extend my best wishes for the future.”
Board members shared similar sentiments.
”I personally appreciate everything you’ve done. I know my kids in particular appreciate everything you’ve done. I think the public coming out and speaking on your behalf speaks volumes for what you’ve done,” said board member Christopher Probasco said, referring to faculty, parents and students who supported Mr. Carroll when the district recently sought a new principal for New Egypt High School.
The board ultimately approved the appointment of Gene Mosley, a longtime Dunellen High School principal, to the post in May.
”Without getting too emotional, I’m just going to say thank you,” said board member Sandra Soles, noting during a recent discussion with her children regarding their future they lamented they were unable to find a major entitled “Rich Carroll.”
Other board members similar lauded the dedication and efforts of Mr. Carroll.
In an e-mail to the Messenger Press after the meeting, Dr. Jones said he hopes to complete the search process to replace Mr. Carroll in July and that said process will mirror recent administrator searches.
Following the meeting, Mr. Carroll described the moment as bittersweet.
”It’s been wonderful,” he said. “I made a lot of lifelong friends. I’m going to miss New Egypt.”
Looking back on his tenure he said he’s going to miss the kids the most.
”I still talk to kids that graduated 10 years ago and it’s the number one thing,” he said, noting he will also miss faculty and staff he’s become acquainted with.
He said the size and family atmosphere is what sets New Egypt apart form other school districts.
”For 14 years it’s been my family,” he said. “My kids went to school here and I felt like I lived in New Egypt all those years.”
According to the district website, Mr. Carroll spent three years as a school counselor at the Dr. Gerald H. Woehr Elementary School. He then spent five years as supervisor of guidance at the high school, where he later began his current positions.
During his time at NEHS, he also served as girls basketball coach and the varsity baseball coach.
Later in the meeting, the board unanimously appointed Tara Nesbihal as the new assistant principal of New Egypt Middle School, effective July at a salary of $84,540, pending the successful completion of the application process.
Ms. Nesbihal previously served in the Howell Township School District as a teacher, math coach and district mentor liaison for 13 years.
She said she was attracted to the tight-knit community feel and pride exhibited by the school community in Plumsted.
”I’m very excited,” she said, noting that by being a building principal she can still have interaction with the students.
District officials also recognized Eileen Sennett who has spent the last two years as interim principal New Egypt Primary School.
Dr. Jones previously told the Messenger Press that Mrs. Sennett was brought out of retirement to serve on an interim basis. The district recently appointed Richard DeMarco, former assistant principal at the middle school, to serve as head administrator at NEPS.
Dr. Jones read a letter Mrs. Sennett wrote thanking the district for the opportunity to serve.
Dr. Jones then expressed her own gratitude for Mrs. Sennett’s service.
”She’s done a great job and we’re going to miss her.”