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New Curriculum Director On Board At Manchester Schools
 | | Incoming Director of Curriculum Dr. Judith S. Nappi and retiring Director JoAnn Puleo are working together to ensure a smooth transition at the position. |
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MANCHESTER - Dr. Judith S. Nappi started her new position as Director of Curriculum for Manchester Public Schools this month and will be working with retiring Director of Curriculum JoAnn Puleo through the end of the month.
Puleo said she hopes the time they spend working together will make the transition a smooth one.
A resident of Forked River, Nappi has family in Manchester and jumped at the chance to apply, for a position here.
"It always seemed like such a nice community," she said. "I'm so excited about working here. I have to say that I've never been to a district where everyone is so welcoming. I'm looking forward to getting into the everyday routine and working with everyone on a daily basis. I'm also looking forward to meeting the community members, parents and students."
Nappi comes to Manchester from the Cedar Grove school district in Essex County, where she was principal of the high school for eight years and middle school principal prior to that. She has an education doctorate in administrative policy and urban education from Fordham University and her undergraduate degree is from Montclair State.
Puleo is retiring after 38 years in education, 23 of them in Manchester. She came to Manchester as a Supervisor of Instruction in August 1984. Among the positions she held were Principal of Whiting Elementary School (1988), Principal of Regional Day School (1989-1992), and Principal of Ridgeway Elementary School (1992- 2002). She has served as Director of Curriculum since March of 2002.
"During my tenure here I have found the Manchester Township School District to be a place where what is best for children is always prioritized and have appreciated working with parents, community members, teachers and my administrative colleagues," said Puleo.
Superintendent of Schools, Dr. William E. DeFeo commented, "Someone like JoAnn Puleo, with a high level expertise, moral integrity, love of children and a strong work ethic, will be difficult to replace. She is a unique individual who will be missed as a professional but even more for the person that she is. It will take an exceptional professional to occupy her position."
DeFeo said he believes that Dr. Judith Nappi is that professional. "Her credentials are excellent. She is well motivated and capable of positively impacting curriculum and instruction in the district," he said.
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