Officials Move Forward in Search for New CHS Principal

Cranford’s search for a new high school principal is about to enter its next phase. Superintendent Dr. Gayle Carrick has shortlisted 15 applicants out of about 150.

“Cranford is seeking a proven educational leader and a respectful humanitarian who will continue to polish the star that is Cranford High School,” said Carrick. “CHS has an incredible staff and a student population that values learning.”

According to Carrick, she and a principal search committee will continue taking applications and short listing candidates until October, when a selection committee will review the candidates’ qualifications and eventually make a decision. The principal search committee consists of Carrick, members of the Board of Education, administrators, teachers and parents. The committee will review applicants’ resumes, develop questions and provide feedback to Dr. Carrick, who will decide on the finalists. The finalists will then attend a Board of Education meeting to be interviewed by the Board as a whole.

Dr. Carrick and the Board of Education hope to have a new principal by the new calendar year, but are willing to sacrifice expediency for thoroughness.

“Filling this critical position is a top priority; however, the decision will not be rushed until the right person is found,” said Carrick.

Mary Sudiak, Board of Education vice president, agrees.

“The foremost consideration in the process is to hire a person who we believe will be the right candidate,” she said. “If, for some reason, none of the individuals that have applied are viewed favorably enough, then the process would start over again.” 

Cranford began the search over the summer when former CHS principal Carol Grossi left to become superintendent of Hanover Park. Dr. Florence Senyk is filling in as interim principal until a new administrator can be chosen. Senyk, retired from administration and teaching in the state’s Alternate Route program for teachers, has served as an administrator in Madison, Westfield, and most recently as interim principal at Orange Avenue School in Cranford.

“We’re full steam ahead and I’m delighted to be the temporary captain,” said Senyk. “The community really cares about its children.”

Senyk said taking over for Grossi has been easier than expected due to the support of the staff and being able to coordinate with Grossi in August. She expects the new principal will be able to “hit the ground running.” She advises her successor to “keep the focus on the children and support the staff.” Though Senyk has no part in the selection process, she is confident the Cranford Board of Education will choose an excellent candidate.

“I am assured that, with this district, they are going to find a quality person,” she said.  “No doubt in my mind.”