Lacey Hires A Familiar Face To Replace Retiring Superintendent

LACEY TOWNSHIP, NJ - The Lacey Board of Education recently appointed Dr. Vanessa P. Clark to take over as schools superintendent and gave her a four-year contract, according to the school district's website.

Clark - who has previously served as interim superintendent while the school board was searching for permanent ones - will be paid $188,581 for the 2018-2019 school year. She is currently serving as assistant superintendent.

Clark's contract begins on Aug. 1, when current Superintendent Craig Wiley is slated to retire, and will run through June 20, 2022.

Wigley, who announced his retirement in May, called it "the most difficult" decision of his life.

Wigley made the announcement during the public portion of the May Board of Education meeting.

"Although this is a personal decision, I will share that due to recent health challenges, my family's well-being, and the recent loss of several close friends long before their years, I have been advised it is time to step away," he said.

Wigley made no reference to the turmoil of the two months that revolved around the apparent in-school suspension of two advanced placement students who some say were punished because they posted photos of guns at a gun range on a social media page.

Audience members lambasted and booed the board about the reported suspensions at the March 19 meeting.

But Wigley, board members and school administrators were advised by Board Attorney Christopher Supsie not to discuss any confidential details involving students.

Wigley praised Clark's appointment and called her "a consummate professional."

"Dr. Clark's knowledge of the district’s, climate and culture will surely be an asset as the challenges facing Lacey Schools and New Jersey public schools are ever changing," he wrote in a letter to staff and parents. "As we transition leadership, I want to wholeheartedly wish Dr. Clark, the Lacey staff, Board of Education, students and families the very best in their future endeavors."

Photo: Courtesy of Vanessa P. Clark via Twitter