Former West Orange Music Educator Joins West Essex District as Arts Supervisor

Lisa Swanick, a former band director for West Orange Public Schools, will be the new West Essex Teaching Instructional Supervisor of Fine, Performing and Practical Arts for the 2014-15 school year. Swanick spent eight years working in West Orange at West Orange High School and Mt. Pleasant Elementary School before coming to West Essex. She is a resident of Wharton.

Swanick will succeed Vee Popat who was named West Essex Middle School Principal following the retirement of longtime principal David Montgomery. Popat served as principal and arts supervisor until Swanick was hired. The West Essex Regional Board of Education approved Lisa Swanick’s appointment at its June 23 meeting. Swanick holds a bachelor’s degree in music management from William Paterson University and a master’s degree in music education from Boston University.

“I am very excited by all of the positive energy I have witnessed at West Essex by the administration, faculty, staff, parents and students who I have met,” Swanick said. “This is a great opportunity to learn while having a positive impact on a flourishing program.”

As the new arts supervisor, Swanick said that her experience in both elementary and secondary education will be valuable in fostering relationships between the department and the community and attracting more students to the district’s arts programs. “I plan to work with the administration, faculty and staff to increase program enrollment and create new opportunities for arts education in West Essex.”

A priority for Swanick is to spend time learning and understanding the mission and vision of the district, she said. This will help her determine the role of the arts at West Essex.

Swanick is also a strong proponent of STEAM education (STEM+Art.) “I have a background in music technology and I believe integrating technology into the arts curriculum is integral to empowering students with the creativity and critical thinking skills necessary for success in today’s competitive environment,” she said. “Professional development for staff is a key component to this end and I am excited to work with faculty to facilitate the development of programs to meet the needs of the 21st century learner.”

Information and photo courtesy of Allison Freeman, Manager of Communications & Community Outreach, West Essex Regional Schools

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