Interim Superintendent Bids Farewell to District at Month's End

There will be a new superintendent at the next Board of Education meeting in November. 

Interim Superintendent Clarence Hoover oversaw his final board meeting on Monday night. His four-month term will come to an end on Nov. 1. 

“It has been an exciting experience,” said Hoover. “I live in the community and it is good to give back to my community.” 

Hoover, a Montclair resident, began his term on July 1. He was appointed to serve while the school board sought a replacement for Superintendent Frank Alvarez, who announced he was stepping down in February. It was later revealed Alvarez took the position of superintendent of the Rye City School District in New York.

Board members and residents voiced their thanks to Hoover during the meeting. 

“I just would like to say I have never heard more gracious no’s in my life,” said Montclair Education Association President Gayl Shepard with a laugh. 

But more seriously, Shepard added, “Just thinking about when you came in and what Montclair has been like over the past few months ... you have been a bridge over troubled waters.”

Penny MacCormack will take over as superintendent when November begins. She was unanimously appointed by the school board in August, and will bring with her more than 20 years of experience in public education. 

Mount Hebron Middle School Update

Interim Principal of Mount Hebron Middle School Terry Trigg-Scales will remain in that position through Nov. 30, according to a press released issued by Hoover at the start of October. 

Hoover said at Monday's board meeting that the district will be interviewing candidates for the position of principal at the school next week. However, he offered few additional details concerning the selection of the next principal of Mount Hebron School. 

Soon-to-be Superintendent MacCormack denied to comment on the principal search until she officially takes over. 

The search for a new principal has been ongoing since school officials announced in May -- to the surprise of many -- that former Mount Hebron Principal Guy Whitlock would be transferred to the district's Central Office.