New Principal Sought for High School

This week, a job opening appeared for a new High School Principal in the School District. The job description specifies a fairly junior person for the role, indicating that a successful applicant would need "a minimum of three years of administrative experience". The ideal candidate would have "a vision for a student experience in an innovative and forward-thinking highschool."

It is clear that the District feels the need to entice people into the role. Our district is introduced to candidates by saying "We are known as a close-knit community where we have the privilege of getting to know every student, along with their family, by name. The average high school class size is 15-20 students. Graduating classes consist of 70 - 75 students, which is extremely unique and advantageous compared to other high schools in New Jersey".

It rather generously states that "This vibrant and innovative learning community of approximately 300 students is located in beautiful Hunterdon County". While we wholeheartedly agree that Hunterdon County is a beautiful community, we have yet to see the vibrant and innovative learning of which the job description speaks. Recent test scores would seem to suggest other adjectives.

And while the job descriptions states that the high school has almost "300 students", January 2025 data actually shows only 259 students enrolled.

This may be part of an overall shakeup at the top of the South Hunterdon School district ranks. At the last Board meeting, Superintendent Suozzo indicated there would be movement at the Principal level and creation of some new positions in the administrative leadership.

Sources confirm that the current South Hunterdon High School Principal, Jennifer MacKnight, will be moving laterally to take over as Principal of the Middle School being constructed, with current West Amwell School David Miller moving into a new position regarding curriculum refinement.

Despite the flowery and inaccurate language in the job posting, we do hope South is able to secure some good candidates who can help turn this troubled school around. The need for change is clear. We can only hope that the Superintendent chooses a qualified candidate who is not yet another hire from the Hopewell Valley school district.