Washington Township School Board Welcomes Leadership Team

Washington Township Schools Superintendent Jeffrey S. Mohre, who began his first full year of duty in 2010, formally welcomed the new Leadership Team of the school district earlier this month.

For the first time during the 2010-11 school year, the Leadership Team-which consists of all four township schools' administrative officials-were able to gather and speak about their new positions.

On hand at a school board meeting Sept. 14 to introduce himself and thank the board for his new position was Long Valley Middle School Assistant Principal Jason Eitner.

"It's incredible to see 1,000 students and nearly 100 staff members flow through the halls in this building," he said of the first week at school. Eitner replaces Michael Craver in this position.

Principal Joe Ciulla who now leads Old Farmers Road School said he was "completely blown away by the support that's been given."

The K-5 school is the only institution in the district without an assistant principal.

"We have great kids and a truly dynamic staff," Ciulla said. He replaces Marie Roberts, who retired.

Jolene Battitori, who assumes the role of principal at the B.A. Cucinella School, reflected on the beginning of her career in the Washington Township district, where she began working more than two decades ago.

"Benedict Cucinella hired me to work in this district when he was the superintendent, and it's a complete honor to now lead the school named for him," she said. Battitori was the assistant principal at Cucinella School in 2009-10 and is replacing Rick Papera, who is now the assistant superintendent of schools. Papera replaces Leslie Schwartz, who retired.

Before the introductions, Mohre thanked the members of the Leadership Team for their hard work in accomplishing a strong start to the school year.

"We've welcomed 2,606 students through our doors this year in four different schools, and it couldn't have been possible without our incredible leaders and staff," Mohre said.

Enrollment dipped from the 2009-10 school year approximately 80 students; enough to fill four classrooms.

Other administrative changes:

• Monica Whitmore is assistant principal at B.A. Cucinella School, replacing Battitori.
• John Winsted is assistant principal at Flocktown-Kossmann School, replacing Steve Melofchik, who retired.
• Michael Craver is principal at Flocktown-Kossmann School.

The only administrator remaining in his same position is Principal Mark Ippolito at Long Valley Middle School.

The next school board meeting will be held at Long Valley Middle School on Tuesday, Oct. 5.