New Schools Chief: 'I Am Filling Big Shoes in a Big Place With High Expectations'

A new school year will bring a new superintendent to the Livingston School District.

The word “acting” was officially dropped from John Alfieri’s title Thursday as he assumed the position of district superintendent. Alfieri has been acting superintendent since the board unanimously voted for him to take over for Brad Draeger in June.

The Livingston Patch sat down with Alfieri in his office at the district office on Thursday, which he had already lined with knickknacks and photos of his family. 

The follow is a portion of that interview. 

So how does “day one” feel as superintendent?

Alfieri: It’s a combination of excitement and a little nervousness in the sense that I am filling big shoes in a big place with high expectations — which I love. And that is what drew me here: high expectations.

What are you doing on your first day?

Alfieri: I’m waiting for some furniture to come (laughing) and then I’ll start putting some things on the walls.

There is a new special education team in place so I spent some time with them this morning, and also worked on some website issues. It’s been a quiet morning.

How are you looking to lead the district compared to Dr. Draeger?

Alfieri: I think Dr. Draeger and I have similar core values, such as wanting an organized, well-run district. I want to capitalize on all the good things he did — he did many good things — but add my own twist to it and address other needs along the way.

With a little more than a month to go until the first bell of school rings, how are preparations coming along?

Alfieri: There are two parallel things going on. There are preparations for opening day, which I think begin back in June and just keep rolling. And then we have preparations for construction going on, such as at Harrison Elementary School.

What do you see as three strengths of the Livingston School District? 

Alfieri: The district’s biggest strength is the people, that includes parents, children, teachers, principals, everyone. There is a united purpose here and it is clear. 

The second is the dedication that is unique to Livingston. It is the summer but I see teachers in and out of their classrooms. Even on their days off they are checking in. They give 110 percent of themselves.

And the third thing is summer work. The summer is almost as busy as the school year! We are rewriting curriculum, reviewing programs, looking at technology and how to increase the student experience. We are always striving to do something better than the year before.

On the opposite side, what are three things that you see need improving in the district? 

Alfieri: I don’t want to sound cliché, but I have yet to find something that the district can improve upon. Maybe — because I am so new — I would say organizationally I want to make sure that people stay on the same page with one another. I think that is already happening but I want to make sure it continues to happen.

My recommendations would be to continue to work together; continue to involve parents; and have more two-way dialogue where the district not only provides information but gets feedback.  

I’d like to increase the level of input and feedback I get from every group so the district can fine-tune the things that it does.

What are some upcoming initiatives you are planning to do? 

Alfieri: I want to start blogging regularly (the first of which is already posted on the district’s website). In addition, I want to hold coffee chats — almost like a town hall forum — with parents on selected topics, such as special education, that will allow us to get feedback.