10 Most Read August Montclair Patch Stories
Here are a few of the stories that caught readers' attention last month on Montclair Patch.
Middle School Principal Demoted By Board
The Montclair School Board voted to terminate Samantha Morra's position as assistant principal of Mount Hebron Middle School and return her to a teaching position in the district.
Former MKA Teacher Sentenced for Child Porn
A former science teacher and swim coach who worked at Montclair Kimberley Academy, has been sentenced to 97 months in prison for downloading and distributing violent child pornography.
Montclair School District Seeks Tuition From Ex-Principal
The Montclair School District announced it would seek back tuition from Samantha Morra, the former assistant principal at Mount Hebron Middle School, to cover the years her children attended school in Montclair, school board members confirmed Thursday. Earlier this month, Morra, was removed from her $115,000-a-year position as assistant principal after she was accused of illegally enrolling her two children in Montclair schools while residing in neighboring Little Falls. Morra—who used a Montclair mailing address although she paid taxes to Little Falls—was demoted to her tenured teaching position.
Montclair BOE Appoints New Superintendent
Montclair's Board of Education unanimously approved a resolution appointing Dr. Penny MacCormack as superintendent of schools on Monday's meeting. The contract approved will start Nov. 1 of this year through June 30, 2014.
Montclair's New Superintendent Will Put District "On The Map"
Montclair's new superintendent, Dr. Penny MacCormack, is expected to put the school district "on the map," according to Leslie Larson, vice president of the board of education.
Keeping Up Appearances: Montclair Is No Millburn, Madison, Livingston
Former Councilor Cary Africk writes, "I've long commented on the look of other towns and how well they are taken care of, and what a pleasure it is to visit them. I've often commented on Madison, a town of mature street trees, well cared for homes, and a 'picture perfect' downtown."
Can Nauna's Reputation Be Salvaged?
The Food Network's reality show, Restaurant Stakeout, will feature Nauna's Bella Casa in Montclair next week.
Montclair High School Ranked 10th Among Essex High Schools
In a new ranking of the Garden State's high schools published by Inside Jersey, Montclair High School ranked behind Millburn, Glen Ridge, Livingston, James Caldwell, and Cedar Grove, among other high schools, when it comes to Essex County schools, despite the town of Montclair boasting one of the higher median home values ($601,100).
Student's Family Still Looking For Answers
Friends and family of 22-year old Montclair student Deshon Johnson, who was killed by a New Jersey Transit bus, gathered in Bloomfield seeking justice in a case they believe has not been handled properly by authorities.
Fecal Matter Forces Closure Of Montclair Public Pool—Again
Montclair's Mountainside public pool was closed twice in just over a week due to fecal matter incidents, said Michele Cammarata, the acquatics director for Montclair's Department of Recreation, on Friday. She said that both events happened in the lap lane area of the main pool. "This would lead one to assume that a child was not responsible for the event," she said.