The Berlin Borough School District Board of Education will be hosting a Community Forum for its superintendent position on Wednesday, May 29 starting promptly at 6:45 p.m. After weeks of interviews, the board has chosen three final candidates and is now looking for input from the community. Those attending the community forum will have the opportunity to watch a presentation by each candidate, as well as take part in a Q and A session.
The final candidates and when they are presenting are: Mr. Scott Arnauer at 8 p.m., Dr. Joseph Campisi at 7:30 p.m. and Dr. Jason Vivadelli at 7 p.m.
Following are profiles of each candidate supplied by the BOE:
Mr. Scott Arnauer
Presenting at 8 p.m. on May 29
Thanks to Arnauer’s leadership skills, Maple Shade High School was recognized as an Advanced Placement National Honor Roll school by the College Board in 2018. In addition, Maude Wilkins School was a New Jersey Promising Practices winner in 2006 and a three time Character Education Partnership Best Practice winner in 2007.
Arnauer was named the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards Administrator of the Year in New Jersey in 2005 and the New Jersey DECA Administrator of the Year in 2017. Along with his academic leadership accomplishments, he has a reputation for always going above and beyond when it comes to supporting the students. Arnauer always does what he believes is best for students, even if that means dressing up like a chicken, getting his head shaved by students, or allowing himself to be duct taped to the wall as a way to motivate students during the Read Across America fundraiser. Over the years, Arnauer even participated in the school’s annual talent show, including his now-famous Evolution of Dance routine, which made him a hit on YouTube and brought national attention to Maple Shade.
After graduating from Rutgers University and attending Rutgers Graduate School of Education, Arnauer was a physical education teacher and volleyball coach in East Brunswick. He led his teams to two state championships and was named New Jersey boys volleyball coach of the year in 2000.
Scott lives in Cherry Hill with Kathy, his wife of 20 years, and their two daughters, Ella, 15, and Laila, 11. He enjoys exercising, music and hiking in the Catskills, and is an amateur photographer.
Dr. Joseph Campisi
Presenting at 7:30 p.m. on May 29
My name is Joseph Campisi and I have been an educator in the public school system for 19 years. I have spent the last 11 years as an administrator where I have worked to maximize student learning opportunities through collaboration with teachers, administrators, parents and community members.
I began my teaching career after earning my bachelor’s of science degree in elementary education from Misericordia University. After graduation, I began working as an elementary school teacher for eight years. I then earned my master’s of science degree in educational administration from the University of Scranton. My administrative career began as an assistant principal. From there I served as principal, assistant superintendent and superintendent. Lastly, I earned my doctorate in educational leadership from TUI University. My standard certifications include elementary teacher, principal and superintendent. I also have a School Business Administrator Certificate of Eligibility. The majority of my experience has been in K-8 school districts with 700-1,000 students. During my experience as a superintendent, I have simultaneously held the duties as the director of curriculum and instruction and director of special education.
My leadership style is based on open and transparent communication as well as developing positive relationships. I believe that it is important to be highly responsive to all stakeholders to establish and maintain trust.
I have directly addressed student achievement by analyzing data and collaborating with all stakeholders to plan educational programming to meet the needs of all the students. I also believe parent input is a critical part of developing and carrying out a robust curriculum that is fully aligned with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards.
Throughout my career, I have conducted staff evaluations with a single purpose – giving authentic feedback regarding teaching practices to increase overall student achievement. The evidence I use to complete observations and evaluations provide for areas of commendation as well as areas of growth.
I take the time to attend as many school and community events as possible to show that I am invested in the entire community. I have been able to make many positive connections at events outside of the school day.
I currently reside in Berlin Township with my wife of eight years and two young daughters.
I would welcome the chance to work each day helping the students discover their potential with the school and community members of the Berlin Borough School District.
Dr. Jason Vivadelli
Presenting at 7 p.m. on May 29
Dr. Jason Vivadelli has been named as a finalist for the superintendent position in the Berlin Borough School District. Vivadelli’s primary goal is to work closely with the board of education, staff and community to successfully personalize the educational experience of every child at BCS. By leveraging the small size of the school towards this aim, students will achieve academic excellence and truly “discover their potential.”
Vivadelli currently serves as the principal of Woodbury Junior-Senior High School in Woodbury. As principal, Vivadelli oversees all aspects of the school, including the effective education of students, curriculum development, the professionalism of the staff and school-community interaction.
For the past 12 years, Vivadelli has served the Woodbury community as a school administrator in a variety of roles from preschool through twelfth grade. He began as a middle school assistant principal, and then became a high school assistant principal. In 2011, he was promoted to the principalship of Evergreen Avenue Elementary School. Along with the building-based duties, he supervised curriculum at the elementary level across the district. Moreover, he oversaw the rapid expansion of the preschool program in three locations. For the past three years, he has been principal of the Junior-Senior High School serving children in grades six through 12.
Before entering administration, Vivadelli began his teaching career as a middle school social studies teacher in the Mt. Laurel and Plainfield school systems, where he served as a team leader.
Vivadelli earned his bachelor’s of arts degree in history from The College of New Jersey in 2001, his master’s of education degree in school leadership in 2007, and his doctorate degree in educational innovation and leadership from Wilmington University in 2013.
Since 2005, Vivadelli has been married to his wife Dr. Jill Vivadelli. They have three children (a boy and two girls) and reside in Hammonton. His children attend schools in the Hammonton School District.
Residents that would like to ask of the three candidates a question, but can not be present at the Community Forum, should email board president Jocelyn Lewis at [email protected] before 5 p.m. on Wednesday, May 29.
