Last week, the principal of Hopewell Valley Central High School (HVCHS) in Hopewell Valley Regional School District (HVRSD), Michael Daher, announced his resignation from his position as principal. (See also, Hopewell Valley Regional School District Responds to High School Principal Resignation).
By letter today, Principal Daher announced to the HVCHS community that he would be delaying his leave until the end of the 2015-2016 school year.
“I am as committed as ever to offer the best possible learning opportunities for our students,” said Daher. “This change in plan will allow our district the time necessary to find a suitable replacement for me. It will also allow our district administration and high school staff the opportunity to work together to create a smooth transition.”
“Mr. Daher has really made CHS very welcoming for students. Student engagement and school spirit are at record high levels,” said HVRSD School Board President Lisa Wolff. “Mr. Daher was responsible for bringing in the new rotating drop schedule that has been very well received and is more conducive for student learning and engagement.
HVRSD Superintendent Tom Smith issued the following statement today:
Recently, Mr. Daher requested to extend his date of retirement. We appreciate his willingness to stay on to complete this school year. Mr. Daher’s revised timeline should provide a smoother transition and negates the need for an interim principal.
Although Mr. Daher’s timeline has changed, our process to find a replacement will continue as planned and is as follows (all dates subject to change):
March 15-30 The CHS principal position will be advertised locally and nationally.
March 15-30 Two meetings will be held at CHS to receive community feedback regarding the preferred qualities of the next principal.
April 1-15 A committee of parents*, students, staff, and administration selected to interview potential candidates.
April 15 – May 15 Interviews and possible site visits for finalists.
May 15 A finalist is recommended to the Board of Education.
July The new principal will start on or about July 1, 2016.
* Parent participants for the committee will be chosen at random from those who are interested (details will be shared in the early spring).
We remain committed to finding the right individual who will support our outstanding students and the excellent work of the Central High School staff members. I will provide additional updates as the search progresses.
Sincerely,
Thomas A. Smith Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
“The seniors are very happy that he will be there for graduation,” added Wolff. “I am really glad that he stayed on through the end of the year. It will be best for transitioning to new leadership. It is better for the students, staff and taxpayers that we will not need to bring in an interim principal.”
