Permanent Superintendent Search Continues In Long Valley

LONG VALLEY, NJ — A search is underway for a permanent superintendent in the Washington Township Schools to fill the seat that longtime Superintendent Jeffrey Mohre vacated in June when he officially retired.

In the role, Dr. Laura Morana is sitting as the interim superintendent, effective July 1, until a new superintendent can start with the district.

At the most recent Board of Education Meeting this past Tuesday, Board President Jessica DeCicco welcomed Morana and provided a superintendent search update.

DeCicco said 36 prospective candidates at first applied, with two not completing the process and four without the minimum qualifications for the job.

“We had six very qualified candidates that we did interview last week [the week of July 12],” DeCicco added.

“After much deliberation,” she said, “we narrowed it down to the few we felt would best fit our district and really invest in our vision moving forward.”

During the past week, DeCicco said the second-round candidates have been interviewing with the district, with it expected that the finalists will be selected by the week’s end.

“Our target is to have a final decision by mid-August, with the anticipated start date of mid-October,” DeCicco continued.

As the hiring process moves along, DeCicco said the Board of Education will keep the public updated.

Morana thanked both the board and audience for the welcome, commenting how supportive the staff and community have been as she helps the district to transition, until the permanent superintendent is hired.

RELATED: Community Thanks Superintendent Retiring From Long Valley

Questions or comments about this story? Have a news tip? Contact me at: jennifer.miller@patch.com.