New year, new superintendent

Anthony Macerino retiring as superintendent of Sussex Tech

By Viktoria-Leigh Wagner

SUSSEX COUNTY — Highland Lakes resident Anthony Macerino, 64, is leaving the Sussex County Technical School as interim superintendent after almost two years at the helm. Filling his shoes in January will be Morris County resident Gus Modla, 46, who previously worked in the Boonton Public School District for 14 years.

After 18 years as the Vernon Township High School superintendent and assistant superintendent, Macerino retired in June of 2009, fulfilling a total of 31 years in the district.

More recently, Macerino is retiring from what he likes to call his “two jobs in one” at the Sussex County Technical School as the interim superintendent and principal after almost two full years from when he first began in February of 2011. The position as interim superintendent can only be held for a period of 24 months, and looking back, Macerino said, “It’s been one of the most rewarding experiences.” He described all of the shop and academic teachers as “skilled” and “very enriching and nurturing to the young people.”

After attending Cresskill High School in Bergen County, Macerino graduated from Rider University and earned his bachelor's degree in business administration and a master's in business education before moving on to earn his second master's in school administration at William Paterson University. He taught business education and marketing for seven years in the mid-70s before moving to Vernon Township, and recalls his time at Sussex Tech as “a positive experience.”

“Other than teaching, I enjoyed the Sussex Tech experience because it was a smaller school district and uplifting to work with the young people,” he said. “I enjoyed getting to know, learning and appreciating the mission of Sussex Tech.”

When asked what he would miss most about the position, Macerino said being able to “work so closely with the faculty, students and staff on a daily basis — that’s what it’s all about: observing, learning, teaching and being able to encourage students and teachers." Macerino said he'll miss the daily experience of running the district but will "try out retirement once again."

“Our students come from all over Sussex County, and they must apply here,” said Macerino. “It was unique and invigorating; different than what I’m used to. I was able to appreciate education from a different perspective on a daily basis.”

So where is he headed now? “I would try another interim position if that was available,” said Macerino, who explained that he may do some teaching since he and his family have raised seeing-eye dogs for the past twelve years. Macerino, who attends Our Lady of Fatima in Highland Lakes, said he may also do some volunteer work there.

Macerino thanked his students, teachers, faculty and staff, and parents for their support and for the experience. "I wish everyone well,” he said.

New beginnings

Gus Modla starts his position as permanent superintendent of Sussex Tech on the first day of the new year. For the past 14 years, Modla worked within the Boonton Public School District first as a football coach and a social studies teacher at Boonton High School before becoming the athletic director for two years and then principal for the remainder of his time there.

Modla was a graduate of Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania as a history major with two master's degrees — one in counseling and another in educational leadership, as well as having earned a teaching certificate. He found through the school board association that interviews were being conducted for the superintendent position at the Sussex Technical School and said he “knew taking the job at the Sussex Technical School would be a good opportunity,” and that the school system in general has “good programs.”

“I’m excited and very impressed with the teachers and the students,” Modla said. “I see the students’ desire to learn something they can take after high school and apply in a practical way.” The teachers, as Modla described them, are “engaging.”

“It’s an exciting opportunity to be a part of and I’m very fortunate to be given the chance to become a part of the Sussex Tech community, and the community of Sussex County overall," he said.