Board gives principal a vote of confidence
Despite rumors he'd be let go, NBTHS head Mistretta gets tenure
BY JENNIFER AMATO
Staff Writer

North Brunswick

NORTH BRUNSWICK - Despite rumors that high school Principal Salvatore Mistretta was going to be let go by the district, the Board of Education approved his tenure at its Tuesday night meeting.

After a closed-session personnel meeting last week, parents were concerned that the district would be seeking their fifth principal in six years, ignoring Mistretta's accomplishments, such as implementing programs to improve test scores under the No Child Left Behind Act, guiding students through the opening of the addition to the school, building a rapport with students and parents, boosting morale in the building and facing challenges of failed budgets.

"I have two children at the high school [and] I have gone through four principals in the last five years. Mr. Mistretta is the one who is leading our school in the right direction," said Sue Selvaggio, the co-president of the NBTHS PTSO Executive Board.

However, according to Claire Padovano, the school board president, tenure decisions are not made based on e-mails or letters sent by parents. Instead, the superintendent must make a recommendation based on his perception of the specific person's qualifications according to a set of criteria. Padovano said that over 100 employees were considered for tenure this year.

Brian Zychowski, the superintendent of schools, was not available by

press time.

Nonetheless, more than 50 parents in attendance Tuesday night were satisfied with the decision to have Mistretta remain with the district, displaying their approval with a round of applause after the unanimous vote in favor of his position. He, along with nine other administrators will be given tenure as of July 1.

"I think it has been a good experience for my daughter and myself," said Rosario Schroeder, whose children used to attend Catholic school. "My daughter loves the school. I've gone through the curriculum of the school and it is wonderful. I've spoken to Mr. Mistretta and I find him to be open-minded. ... Being new at the high school, I felt good vibes from him. I get a very good impression."

Peter Conlon, the school's union representative, agreed with her sentiments.

"I thank the board for their vision and acuity in giving us a principal who has done a great job for two years ... and we certainly needed some kind of continuance as far as high school leadership is concerned and Sal Mistretta fits the bill."

In addition, the following administrators, directors and supervisors were approved for tenure: J. Peter Clark, principal of Linwood Middle School; Kathleen Dzwilewski, director of pupil services; Kevin Farrell, director of guidance at the high school; Edward Kowalski, assistant principal at Linwood; Chad Marcus, supervisor of academic support and enrichment; Wagner Marseille, assistant principal and business supervisor at the high school; Michael Santa Maria, English supervisor at the high school; Debra Serafin, assistant principal and health and physical education supervisor at the high school; and Patricia Van Langen, assistant principal at Linwood.

Mistretta could not be reached for comment.