Page 8 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • November 3, 2010 Franklin Lakes School district searches for new principal by Frank J. McMahon The Franklin Lakes K-8 school district has begun its search for a new principal for the Franklin Avenue Middle School. Marco Cera, who has been principal of the middle school since 2008, resigned Oct. 20 to accept an administrative position in the Mountain Lakes school district. He officially assumed his position in Franklin Lakes in August 2008, replacing Georgiann Gongora, who had been principal of the middle school for the previous four years. Gongora replaced Interim Principal Dr. Alfred Arena in 2004 after the previous principal, Richard Lio, resigned his position in August 2003 to accept the high school principal position in Sparta. In 2001, Lio replaced Dr. Joseph Klingler, who had served the district for 38 years and was the principal of the middle school for 15 years. “Mr. Cera is a talented and dedicated professional who has served the Franklin Lakes community well,” Superintendent Frank Romano said after announcing the principal’s resignation. “Although I have known Mr. Cera for only three short months, I had looked forward to forging a strong professional relationship over these next several years.” Romano expressed regret that Cera was leaving and met with him to discuss the principal’s resignation in an attempt to seek clarification and to explore options that might lead to his reconsideration. “But given both his rationale for going to Mountain Lakes and his strong ethical nature, the latter was not possible,” Romano said. “I do feel that this decision is in the best interest of my family,” Cera told Romano, “and I have decided to see this new commitment through.” Cera’s resignation will become effective on Dec. 31, and Romano immediately wrote a job description for the position and an advertisement seeking candidates to fill the position by January. The superintendent also assembled a committee to start the process. The search will operate similarly to those conducted for a principal at Colonial Road School and for a director of curriculum. The 10-member committee will be headed by Romano and will include administrators, teachers, parents, and a school trustee. Romano extended an invitation to the parents and members of the community to share their thoughts about the attributes that are most valuable to them in a middle school principal at the Fall School Forums that were held last week. He said he would do the same with his staff in order to yield the best possible outcome. In a letter to the Franklin Lakes community, Romano emphasized that his immediate obligation is to find the right candidate to replace Cera, but he acknowledged that doing so even by late January presents a challenge. “Looking past the grief and the dismay, I have a clear obligation to your children,” Romano stated. “That obligation leads me to look to the future of Franklin Avenue Middle School and finding the right candidate and we will do everything in our power to meet that challenge. “I know you will agree that finding the right candidate is worthy of a thoughtful and thorough search, screening, and selection process. As one parent so eloquently put it, we must find a solid middle school educator and fill the position of principal with someone (who) we actively seek, rather than with someone (who) we passively locate. “The Franklin Lakes public school system is a very attractive prospect for the right professional educator, and we will find that professional educator.” The Franklin Avenue Middle School has 494 students in grades six through eight and is part of the borough’s elementary school district, which includes three schools and serves 1,420 students. Christine Gagliardo is the principal of the Colonial Road School, Helen Attenello is the principal of the High Mountain Road School, and Dominic Rotante is the principal of the Woodside Avenue School. James Albert will present “Understanding Solar Power” at the Franklin Lakes Public Library on Tuesday, Nov. 9 at 7 p.m. Albert will discuss current solar technology; explain the environmental, economic, and health benefits of using renewable energy; and address James Albert to discuss solar power the financial incentives available through state and federal programs. A question and answer period will follow. All are welcome. The library is located at 470 DeKorte Drive. For more information, call (201) 891-2224. Fall/Winter Specials $15.00 Pedicure Parties Available Can not be combined with any other offer. Exp. 12/31/10 Can not be combined with any other offer. Exp. 12/31/10 with purchase of any other service with purchase of new set LCN Free Spa Pedicure FREE FREE EYEBROW OR LIP WAX 10 Minute Massage with purchase of Manicure & Pedicure FEATURING STATE-OF THE-ART EQUIPMENT Can not be combined with any other offer. Exp. 12/31/10 Can not be combined with any other offer. Exp. 12/31/10 with purchase of Manicure & Pedicure 20 Chestnut St., Ridgewood, NJ 07450 • 201-670-6807 Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9:30am - 7:30pm • Sat. 9am - 6:30pm • Sun. 10am - 6pm A Publication of The Midland Park Chamber of Commerce A Special Supplement to The Villadom TIMES This feature, published periodically throughout the year, contains items of interest pertaining to Midland Park and its Chamber of Commerce, along with your advertising message. This is a quality opportunity to promote your business, and encourage local consumers to fill their holiday gift lists in Midland Park. 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