At the latest Medford Township Board of Education meeting, the board approved a new principal and added a five-year contract for the current superintendent of schools.
Kristin Groark, the current assistant principal at Berlin Community School, will become the principal at Cranberry Pines in July. So far, according to the meeting agenda, she is only contracted for one school year, ending in June 2020, with a salary of $105,000 per year.
“This opportunity is incredible, and I can’t wait to get busy and know everyone on a better basis, and just learn about this amazing town that you have here,” said Groark at the meeting. “It is so telling of how much you value education here and I just feel so fortunate and so blessed to serve here and to serve your community.”
Groak’s husband attended the meeting in support, along with future colleagues, including teachers and district administrators.
For the last three months, the board administration had an “extensive” search for the position, with over 80 people applying. The board interviewed about 14 of those applicants before rewarding the position to Groark. According to the board, Groark had been offered a position in another district before deciding on Medford.
“I’m extremely excited about her upcoming months as the new principal at Cranberry Pines and have all the faith in the world that she’s going to do an excellent job,” said Superintendent Joseph J. Del Rossi.
She will start sometime in mid-July, after the end of the 60-day notice that she gave to her current district, according to the board.
In addition, the superintendent of schools contract for 2019 to 2024 was approved, rewarding Rossi with another five years in the position.
“I would like to thank the board for the five-year contract which you have awarded me at this time, having the faith that I could move this district in the right direction for the next five years,” said Rossi.
In other news:
- Lucas Coesfeld was approved as Taunton Forge School’s new principal, effective July 1.
- A one-year contract with Cathy Smith, from 2019 to 2020, was approved for the board secretary/business administrator’s position.
- Debra Mandel was approved in a one-year contract as the school nurse at Kirby’s Mill School.
- Accomplished soloists, choir and bands from the Haines Sixth Grade Center and Memorial Bands performed in front of the board, staff and parents.
- Certificates were given to the 2019 South Jersey Middle School Wrestling League Champions.
The next BOE meeting will be held on June 17 at Memorial Middle School.
