The Deptford board of education introduced attendees at its July 18 meeting to five school district employees – both promoted and new staffers – who will have different roles in the 2023-’24 school year.
They include Assistant Director of Special Education Shana Keenan-Barnes, Curriculum Supervisor and Vice Principal Johanna Vicchairelli, district Business Administrator Ronald Latham, Assistant Superintendent and Chief Academic Officer Heather Jackson and Shady Lane Elementary Principal John Merulla.
Jackson’s new role went into effect on July 1, Latham’s start date has yet to be determined and the other three new staffers began their assignments on July 19.
Each appointee – accompanied by families – got a round of applause at the meeting from the audience and board members. The overall mood of the session was light and jovial, with Board President Joe McKenna offering a joke that made the small crowd laugh.
“Introducing our new superintendent,” he said, of Jackson’s new role as assistant to that position.
School Superintendent Kevin Kanauss said he was happy with the staffing changes and looks forward to what the future holds for the Deptford district.
“Obviously we’re very excited for all the new faces and the new hires in the district,” he noted. “We have a lot going on and a lot of changes for the good. We’re excited for the future of Deptford.
“We have a lot of amazing ideas, with great people to fulfill those dreams and goals for our students and our community,” Kanauss added. “We’re very proud here in Deptford. We’re a Spartan family, and I’m excited for the future that this team will build together. So thank you.”
The appointments represent new roles for district employees, an example being Kanauss, who was sworn in as school superintendent at the board’s June 6 meeting. He became interim chief when he replaced former Superintendent Arthur Dietz.
“There’s a lot of moving and shaking going on in the district,” Kanauss acknowledged. “I openly admit that we still have a lot of hires to accomplish. When we created a district calendar back in March or April, we didn’t foresee a lot of these changes coming along that we’ve seen and (are) voting on right now.”
To help mitigate that, a meeting will be held on Tuesday Aug. 1 at 5 p.m. at the board of ed building to approve personnel changes and give candidates a 30-to-60-day notice.
