School Board Thanks Superintendent For Service To Long Valley's Schools

LONG VALLEY, NJ — Interim Superintendent Dr. Laura Morana took part in her final Washington Township Schools Board of Education meeting this past Tuesday evening.

Dr. Peter Turnamian is expected to start with the district as its new superintendent around Nov. 1, with the next Board of Education meeting scheduled on Nov. 16.

Turnamian, who has served as the Superintendent of the Rockaway Township School District, was approved in August for a contract that will extend through June 30, 2026, with a salary of $190,000, prorated for the 2021-2022 school year.

Morana started serving after the retirement of former Superintendent Jeffrey Mohre.

Board of Education President Jessica DeCicco thanked Morana at the start of the most recent meeting, extending her “heartfelt thanks for all that she [Morana] has done for putting our district in a great trajectory.”

She said Morana jumped in from her first day to get to know the faculty, staff and community, communicating regularly with parents and staff, with what DeCicco described as “thoughtful communications, appreciated by all.”

“She has really poured her heart and pride into the work that she has done, DeCicco said, investing weekends and long hours to tackle challenges that arose along the way.

Among her accomplishments during her tenure, DeCicco said Morana bridged the gap during the absence of a permanent superintendent and helped to reopen schools safely during the pandemic.

Helping the board to navigate policy and regulation updates, were ways Morana additionally helped, said DeCicco.

In turn, Morana thanked the Board of Education, staff and families for welcoming her and allowing her “to be part of this beautiful community.”

“You have so much to be proud of,” Morana told them.

She credited the school system and families with their success, as well as what she foresees in the future, which she said will “bring nothing but the best for our children.”

“I know this joint effort will really place this district on the map,” Morana added.

“I wish you nothing but the best, it’s been a pleasure and I’ll miss every single one of you,” she said.

Watch the video with remarks about and by Morana below:

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