May 16, 2012 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 3 Franklin Lakes Bajzath named principal of High Mountain Road School by Frank J. McMahon The Franklin Lakes Board of Education has unanimously approved the appointment of Jaclyn Bajzath as the principal of the High Mountain Road Elementary School effective July 1, 2012. Bajzath was recommended to the position at a recent public meeting of the board of education by Superintendent of Schools Frank Romano, who advised that she has already begun planning and scheduling the serious transition work to be done over the next two months. According to Romano, Bajzath competed in a pool of solid candidates that began with 88 applicants. She emerged as one of nine and then went on to become one of two finalists in a rigorous search. Romano explained that the search included careful screenings of application packets by administrators; a committee interview by parents, teachers, administrators, and one board member; a board-level committee interview; reference checks; and a final interview by the superintendent. Bajzath comes to the post with successful classroom, intern, and leadership experience, serving the Franklin Lakes public schools for the past 10 years. She currently teaches fourth grade at High Mountain Road School and recently completed a 300-hour administrative internship under the mentorship of current Principal Helen Attenello, who is retiring from the position. “She possesses the qualifications that spell successful growth into her new Bajzath holds a master’s degree in educational leadership from the College of Saint Elizabeth and a bachelor’s degree in sociology from William Paterson University. “While her professional background only formally acknowledges a two-year internship, conversations with her and her most significant reference, School Principal Helen Attenello, reveal that she has served as an exceptional leader in a variety of areas for much longer,” Romano added. He explained that, throughout the interview experience, Bajzath presented herself professionally in both appearance and demeanor. He added that those who know her, or met her during the search, characterize her as bright, innovative, passionate, dedicated, and someone who cares about children and understands what it takes to provide them with the variety of services they need to thrive. “She presents herself as someone who will be a good match for both the Franklin Lakes and High Mountain Road cultures and, at the same time, could elevate the school to the next levels of productivity, professionalism, and success,” Romano said. “I am thrilled with that outcome of the search,” Romano continued. “Nothing could be more satisfying to me than promoting the right person from within our school community. Ms. Bajzath comes highly recommended by members of our administration, commands respect from the general HMR school community, and has tremendous support from her colleagues. She has risen to every challenge throughout the search process and left me very impressed with her practical achievements and potential to do great things for children.” Jaclyn Bajzath position,” Romano said of Bajzath, “and her well-rounded experiences and qualifications include academic/certification, work, and personal aspects.”