new kids on the block

SUMMIT -- The Board of Education has approved the recommendation of Superintendent of Schools Nathan Parker and appointed a new assistant principal at Lawton C. Johnson Summit Middle School to replace Emile George, who is retiring at the end of the school year after 40 years of service to the Summit Public Schools.

Jeffrey Heaney, a science teacher and athletic director at Branchburg Central Middle School, was selected from more than 340 applicants for the position, which officials noted is an unprecedented response for an administrative opening in the Summit schools. A committee interviewed 27 candidates and narrowed the pool to three finalists. The committee was chaired by Dr. Ken Shulack, Summit's human resources director.

Committee members were Summit Middle School Principal Matt Block, middle school social studies supervisor Erik Parks, middle school teachers Donna Mariano, Kim Stevens and Melissa Garcia, middle school guidance counselor Jane Parkinson, school secretary Eunice Churchill and middle school parent Wendy Graeb.Mr. Heaney brings more than 10 years of experience as a science teacher and athletic director.

"He clearly knows middle school students," said Dr. Shulack. "He is familiar with middle school curriculum and has worked very successfully with middle school staff and students." He has also served as a team leader and understands the nature and importance of teaming and small learning communities at the middle school level, the director added