Page 4 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • August 29, 2012 Upper Saddle River When students return to Upper Saddle River’s Cavallini Middle School for the new academic year, they will be greeted by a familiar person who assumed a new role in the building this month. James McCusker, who has served as Cavallini’s assistant principal since 2006, has succeeded Dr. Gene Solomon as the school’s principal. McCusker holds a bachelor’s degree in administration and business from Ramapo College. He earned graduate credits toward teacher certification in 2000, and received his master’s degree in educational leadership at Fairleigh Dickenson University in 2005. The new principal holds standard certifications in New Jersey as a teacher of mathematics and business education, and as a supervisor and principal. Upper Saddle River Superintendent of Schools Dr. Monica Browne stated that McCusker has earned an excellent reputation among the district’s students, staff, and parents. Prior to joining the Upper Saddle River School District, McCusker was a math teacher in Bergenfield, where he was named Teacher of the Year in 2004. He has coached track at the middle school and high school levels, and has served as head coach for cross country at Ramapo College. Dr. Browne indicated that, as soon as Dr. Solomon announced her intention to retire this year, the district formed a committee to search for her successor. While the district received many qualified applicants, Dr. Browne said, “It was clear that our assistant principal was the best choice.” She added, “Gene Solomon was not only an amazing principal, but she also really took time to Students to be greeted by familiar person in new role train Mr. McCusker for the principalship. He’s ready for the next step.” The superintendent added that the district is currently conducting a search for a new assistant principal for Cavallini. Dr. Solomon devoted her entire career in education to Upper Saddle River’s schools. She was hired as a social studies teacher in 1969, and later served as a coach, guidance counselor, and enrichment teacher. She was the school’s vice principal before she was promoted to the principal’s post. Solomon grew up in Teaneck and attended that district’s public schools. She received a bachelor’s degree in political science and education from George Washington University, and later received two master’s degrees from Montclair. Her master’s degrees are in the fields of administration/supervision and counseling. She subsequently earned her doctorate from Seton Hall University. Solomon said she knew early in her life that she wanted to become a teacher. She said she plans to continue in education in some way, and currently has plans to serve as a mentor to administrators. Upper Saddle River residents will reportedly receive a fourth quarter credit to balance the one-cent per $100 of assessed valuation charge that was incorrectly billed to local taxpayers. Borough officials quickly moved to rectify the situation as soon as it was discovered. The borough’s Open Space Trust Fund, which had been approved at the polls by wide margins on two separate occasions, was voted down in November 2011. At least one observer believes voters may not have understood the purpose of the fund. Support for the fund, which must be confirmed by voters every five years, will again be sought in the 2012 general election. However, while the fund was temporarily in limbo, borough residents found they had been assessed Open space charge will lead to credit the one-cent as part of their overall tax bill and sought relief. The Open Space Trust Fund provides money for the borough to purchase properties to be maintained as open space, or for maintenance and improvements to recreational facilities. Having an active open space trust fund at the municipal level allows the borough to apply for matching funds from the county for eligible projects. The question that will be posed to voters in the November general election asks: “Shall the Borough of Upper Saddle River establish a dedicated tax program and impose an annual tax levy at the rate of $0.01 per $100 of assessed value for a period of five (5) years for any or (continued on page 19) Saddle River Valley Residents Club recently selected a new board and chairs for the 2012-2013 year. Pictured are Grada Wouda Kuipers, Lina Lopez, Louise Barnes (president), Ricki Sellner, Claudia Fonseca, Marie Janasa, Sally Chin, Jennifer Feeley, Joann Tashji, Terrie O’Connor and Ana Maria Berrero. Not pictured: Bernadette Wiseman, Michelle Sodora and Tricia Lavinio. New officers installed