February 13, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 3 Midland Park The Midland Park High School graduation in June 2014 may not be on a Friday night as has been the tradition since the school’s first commencement in 1959. The board of education is considering a school calendar that would set gradu- 2014 graduation may shift to a Thursday ation on Thursday, June 19. Only once in the school’s history, in 2007, was the ceremony not on a Friday, according to trustee Robert Schiffer, who opposed the change. “There are three drafts for consider- Christopher Swank was appointed last week as the Midland Park schools’ new buildings and grounds supervisor. He will begin his duties on March 4. Swank, whose salary will be $85,000, prorated through June 30, is currently a maintenance supervisor with the Wayne Board of Education. He holds a New Jersey Certified Educational Facilities Manager (CEFM) certificate from Rutgers University. “We are pleased to welcome Mr. Swank to the district. Mr. Swank’s excellent record of performance and years of experience working in both school and business facilities management distinguished his candidacy during the interview process. We look forward to Mr. Swank’s arrival and anticipate a smooth transition in days to come,” said Midland Park Superintendent of Schools Dr. Marie Cirasella. Coleen Monahan of Morrow Road Board hires buildings and grounds supervisor asked if Swank would be a hands-on supervisor, handy with tools, etc. Monahan, the current vice president of the Elementary School PTA, said that in her volunteer positions she frequently needs help from the supervisor in carrying out her organization’s projects. “I’m hoping that person will be that type,” Monahan said. Board President Bill Sullivan said the committee had considered that aspect of the job when conducting interviews to fill the position. The previous supervisor, Joseph Carretta, was in Midland Park less than a year, and was temporarily replaced by Thomas Treta. Prior to Carretta, Thomas Blanchard filled the position for a couple of months. Both men left to take positions in other districts. Sam Schaper, who had held the post for more than 30 years, retired in December, 2008. ation, all different ideas based on community advantage,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Marie Cirasella. “The way the calendar is constructed, it seemed to fit,” she said of the Thursday date. That calendar option incorporates 182 school days for seniors. State law requires 180 school days before graduation can take place. Midland Park board policy requires 183 school days for students. “It is difficult for parents to bring visiting family members in if it’s on a Thursday. Friday takes you into the weekend,” said Schiffer. “Why are we doing this?” Board President William Sullivan said a non-Friday graduation would make it difficult for parents to dismantle the graduation ball decorations in the gym on a working day. The take down traditionally takes place the day after graduation, fol- lowed by an auction fundraiser to benefit the following year’s graduation ball. “Parents have been preparing all year. It’s going to be hard to get parents to take it down. They have to go to work,” agreed Elementary PTA Vice President Colleen Monahan. On the other hand, she said, any event planned for the seniors on a Thursday might be less expensive than it would be on a Friday. The calendar proposal is up for final adoption at the board’s Feb. 26 meeting. It calls for school to start for students on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2014, with Wednesday June. 25 as the last day. It includes a full week’s vacation in February (17-21), Dec. 24-Jan 1 closing for the holidays, and two emergency closing days. Staff development days are scheduled for Sept. 3 and 4, Oct. 14, Jan. 20 and March 10.