HALEDON — The Manchester Regional school board appointed a new superintendent Thursday, choosing an internal candidate for the key role.
Principal John Coviello was selected unanimously out of a pool of 18 people interested in the job and five who were interviewed.
He will serve in an acting capacity, effective Aug. 1, until the Board of Education makes a permanent appointment, which trustees hope to do before the school year begins. He will be paid a stipend of $125 per day on top of his principal salary of $149,844.
Coviello will replace school Superintendent Gary Lubisco Jr., who accepted a position as the chief of schools for the Somerville K-12 district.
Lubisco assured trustees that they made the right choice in his successor. “You guys are in good hands,” he said, “with someone who cares about the kids like they’re his own.”
MANCHESTER REGIONAL:This North Jersey high school is building esports arena with 34-foot screen
Coviello, 43, of Middletown Township, has been the high school principal for six years. Before his arrival here, he taught social studies at New Milford High School and held administrator jobs at schools in Fort Lee and Ridgefield.
He received master’s degrees in education leadership from Montclair State University and in special education from William Paterson University.
“I look forward to working with all of you, and it’s always been my pleasure to serve our community,” he said to trustees.
“I serve at the pleasure of the board,” he added. “I won’t let you down.”
A second promotion was made as trustees named social studies teacher Joseph Ickles to be the supervisor of humanities. His appointment takes effect on Sept. 16, and he will be paid a prorated salary of $110,500 in his new position.
Ickles also coaches high school football, wrestling and golf.
A portion of the public meeting was dedicated to giving a sendoff to Lubisco, who was credited with overseeing many improvements to the high school on Church Street. Upgrades include an ongoing renovation to the auditorium, which will feature a one-of-a-kind esports arena, and a resurfacing of the Falcons football field with synthetic turf.
Lubisco said his tenure at Manchester Regional was a life-changing experience.
“The foundation that we laid together is strong,” he said. “I have all the confidence that with this wonderful board, and with this tremendous staff and administration, great things are going to continue to happen.”
Trustees presented the outgoing superintendent with a signed picture of the high school campus. He promised to hang the panoramic photo in his new office.
Philip DeVencentis is a local reporter for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
Email: devencentis@northjersey.com
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