Hillside Avenue School Picks New Assistant Principal



Hillside Avenue School officials appointed teacher Marc Biunno to an assistant principal position, announcing the pick at Monday's Board of Education meeting. Biunno is currently an eighth grade language arts and journalism teacher at Roosevelt Intermediate School in Westfield.

Curt Fogas, Principal of Hillside Avenue School, says the school sifted through resumes of 380 candidates. 

"We had an overwhelming response to our advertisement," Fogas notes. "That number far surpasses some of our neighboring districts for assistant principal positions."

Fogas interviewed 49 for a 20-minute meet-and-greet session. He further narrowed it down to 11 applicants that received a one-hour walking tour of the school. The final five applicants faced a committee comprised of elementary and special education teachers, middle school teachers and parents.

"Marc Biunno was by far the most highly-rated candidate and the references validated that. We feel comfortable and confident that he will be a true asset to our school," Fogas says.

Biunno expressed his satisfaction with the interview process and the opportunity he was given to get to know some of the teachers and students.

"It's heartening and it is exciting to know that I'm going to a place that prides itself on putting children first," he says. "I look forward to a successful time with the school and with the Board."

After a private session discussion, the Board of Education approved Biunno's appointment. The new administrator begins his post upon his release from his current position.

Community Service Grant

 At the meeting, the BOE also approved a grant for investing in student community service initatives. The Learn and Serve America grant is issued by the New Jersey Department of Education – this school year marks Cranford's second year of participation in the 3-year program. Set to cover the period from Sept. 1, 2010 to Aug. 31, 2011, this year's funding totals $66,000.

 "Cranford's public schools have been designated as a Learn and Serve resource center," explains Grant Specialist Susan Caruso-Green, of the District Grant Consortium. "The program encourages projects of community service that are in alignment, with what kids are learning in the curriculum."

Four local schools that participate in the program include Walnut Avenue School, Cranford High School, Livingston Avenue School and Brookside Place School.