JACKSON – Several retirements – including three principals – were noted during a recent Board of Education meeting. There were also principals transferred as part of the school district’s realignment plan.
“This is the time of year people put in letters and make these decisions and it is not always an easy choice to make,” Superintendent Nicole Pormilli said, adding that there were some names on the agenda with long histories in the department. Some retiring staff members have been with the school district for as long as 25 years.
Pormilli told the retirees, “I want to thank you for all your years of service, your dedication, your commitment and the positive impact you have had on students, families and staff. It does not go unnoticed. You will be missed and you’ve made a difference.”
The principals retiring are Kevin Di Eugenio of the Jackson Memorial High School, Richard Karas of the Lucy N. Holman Elementary School and Theresa Licitra of Johnson Elementary School.
Previously, the BOE voted to merge its two high school student bodies into one at Jackson Liberty High School, while sending 7th and 8th grade students to what is currently Jackson Memorial High School, and 5th and 6th-grade students to Carl W. Goetz Middle School.
The Board of Education approved the transfer of Geoffrey Brignola from principal of Jackson Liberty High School to the principal of the tentatively named Jackson Township High School effective on July 1. Carl Perino was transferred as the principal of the Goetz Middle School to become principal of the tentatively named Jackson Township Middle School while Debra Phillips was transferred from principal of the McAuliffe Middle School (which will close) to becoming principal of the tentatively named Jackson Township Upper Elementary school.
The new high school will have students from 9-12th grade while the new middle school will house 7th and 8th grade students and the Upper Elementary School will house 5th and 6th grade students.
The school district is facing a declining pupil population which is contributing to its financial problems largely caused by the state cutting millions of dollars of aid since 2017.
Coaching and Co-Curricular Interviews
All head coaching and co-curricular positions were posted and a series of committees, consisting of district and school administration, are interviewing candidates for these roles, officials said.
Coaches will be named at the April 30 Board of Education meeting, and co-curricular advisors will be selected at the May Board meeting. For the 2025-2026 school year, some co-curricular positions may have two advisors to support the transition, with a strong emphasis on how to effectively lead teams as Jackson Memorial High School and Jackson Liberty High School merge.
Elementary Moving Up Ceremonies
Elementary school principals are planning separate “Moving Up” ceremonies for Grade 4 and Grade 5 students so each can have an opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments and their transition to the next stage of their school journeys.
Elementary school administrators are making arrangements for Grade 4 students to participate in Safety Patrol experiences this spring.
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