Q&A with the new superintendent on the block

Vernon - John Alfieri took the helm at Vernon Township School district on July 1. He most recently served as superintendent at the Clinton Township school district in Hunterdon County, and has also been an administrator in the Sparta school district. Alfieri lives in Morris County and said he was looking for a larger district, and one with evident stability and strength to grow from. He was looking “to lead a district that has all the right ingredients for success.” He found that in Vernon, Alfieri said. As the new school year begins, he and the district staff have been busy preparing for the incoming students and teachers, but he took time out to answer a few questions and talk about what’s happening in the Vernon schools. Q. What are you looking forward to this school year? A. I am looking forward to getting to know every aspect of the Vernon community — the kids; I know each school is its own little community but it’s all part of a bigger community. I’m looking forward to really learning all about Vernon, the town and the school. Q. What’s new in the district this year? A. We don’t have major change objectives for next year. We have the NJQSAC (New Jersey Quality Single Assessment Continuum) this year. We are one of about a dozen districts (as part of a statewide program) to self-assess and then the state comes in and checks on our self-assessment. This is going to give us a good chance to assess our practices, our policies and our procedures and then with that data, set a course for short- and long-term goals based on what we learn. The state implemented QSAC as a replacement or a change in state monitoring about two years ago, and this year is Vernon’s turn. We’re given several months to look at six critical areas — five plus the facilities — and assess how we’re doing, how we operate, how we govern, our financial situation, our teaching. Clinton Township went through it last year, so I have the benefit of experience. In taking over from Anthony Macerino, Alfieri said he has inherited a “district that has all the right ingredients,” and he lauds his predecessor. “Mr. Macerino was an outstanding superintendent.”