New Superintendent Contract In Cherry Hill Up For Vote

CHERRY HILL, NJ — Dr. Kwame Morton would become Cherry Hill's superintendent for the next four years under a contract slated for the school board's vote.

Morton, the district's acting superintendent, was selected last month to become Cherry Hill's next head of schools, pending approvals required by law. The Board of Education will vote Tuesday night on appointing him to the position.

Additionally, the board will vote on two administrative appointments that Morton recommended: George Guy as director of elementary education and Dr. Neil Burti for director of secondary education. Both currently serve as principals in the district.

Morton, a longtime principal and then a district administrator, had served as Cherry Hill's acting superintendent since last summer. The district had been searching for a new superintendent since Dr. Joseph N. Meloche left the role after last school year.

If approved, Morton's superintendent contract would run through June 30, 2028, according to the agenda for Tuesday's school board meeting. It's unclear how much he would get paid as the leader of one of New Jersey's largest school districts.

Last June, the district launched a nationwide superintendent search. The process included public input via surveys and focus groups, the school board's review of applicants from 11 states, and board interviews with several candidates.

Officials decided last month to appoint Morton to the role, with the school board voting to send his proposed contract to the county's executive superintendent, who approved it on Monday.

Morton entered the township school system in 2008, when he became principal of Joyce Kilmer Elementary School. From 2013-21, he served as principal of Cherry Hill High School West, earning multiple state awards.

Before becoming acting superintendent, Morton was the district's assistant superintendent of PreK-12 and curriculum and instruction.

Burti has been a Cherry Hill principal for more than a decade, including five years in his current role at John A. Carusi Middle School. The New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association recently named him as Visionary Secondary Principal of the Year.

Guy has 18 years of administrative experience, including 17 as building principal. Before becoming principal of Rosa International Middle School in 2014, he held the role for six years at A. Russell Knight Elementary School.

With Guy's anticipated appointment, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Farrah Mahan would assume direct supervisory responsibilities for the district's preschool program.

The Board of Education meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.