August 21, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 9 Franklin Lakes District promotes teacher to curriculum director by Frank J. McMahon The Franklin Lakes K-8 School District has promoted a fourth grade teacher at the High Mountain Road School to director of curriculum and instruction. Superintendent of Schools Frank Romano recently announced that on Sept. 10, he will recommend that the Franklin Lakes Board of Education appoint Ann Jameson to the position of director of curriculum and instruction. The school board is expected to retroactively approve Jameson’s appointment at its next scheduled meeting, since she began working in that position in an unofficial capacity on Aug. 1. “Jameson has been actively transitioning into her new position in the district, while planning and preparing for the upcoming school year,” Romano said. According to Romano, Jameson emerged as an excep- tional candidate from a comprehensive search that began in early May and involved about 55 applicants. He said the rigorous search began with careful screen- ings of application packets by administrators. The process continued with representative committee interviews by parents, teachers, administrators, and one board member. The superintendent then conducted the reference checks and a final interview. “Ms. Jameson comes to the position of director of curric- ulum and instruction with successful classroom, academic, intern, and leadership experiences,” Romano said, “serving our Franklin Lakes Public Schools for just over six years. She taught fourth grade students at the High Mountain Road School and recently completed a 300-hour adminis- trative internship under the mentorship of respected district principals Helen Attenello and Jaclyn Bajzath. “A well-rounded academic background serves her well as she transitions into her new position.” Romano noted that Jameson has a master’s degree in education leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University; a master’s in literacy specialty: birth through grade six from Teachers College, Columbia University; and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and communi- cations from Boston College. “Conversations with Ms. Jameson and references from several supervisors and colleagues reveal highly excep- tional leadership skills in a variety of areas,” Romano said. “Ms. Jameson has a strong history of active participation in major district initiatives, often serving in exemplary ways. “Throughout the interview experience, Ms. Jameson presented herself professionally in both appearance and demeanor and those who either know her, or have met her during the search, characterize her as intelligent, dedicated, visionary, passionate, and, most importantly, as someone who cares deeply about our school community, specifically its children. She is the right person for the job and a proven match for Franklin Lakes Public Schools. She will take the district to its next levels of productivity, professionalism, and success.” Romano advised that non-tenured administrators oper- ate under yearly contracts and Jameson will receive an annual salary of $120,000. Getting back to nature Three- and four-year-olds from the Barnert Temple Day Camp help Temple Garden Specialist Sharon Ramsey pick radishes, corn, tomatoes, and squash from the Temple Community Garden. The fresh vegetables were delivered to the Center for Food Action in Mahwah.