New Superintendent Bringing New Curriculum

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Hillsdale's new superintendent, Richard Spirito, is a familiar face in the district but is instituting some big changes this year.

Spirito was previously the principal of Meadowbrook School for five years and the assistant principal of George White School for two years. Before that, he was an assistant principal in Montvale for one year and taught in Norwood for 11 years. Spirito holds a degree in elementary education from William Paterson University and a master's in administration and supervision from Montclair State University.

"I've been in this district seven years and I hope to be here for many more," Spirito said.

Spirito's familiarity with the district has allowed him to jump right in to making curriculum changes in order to adopt New Jersey's new common core standards. The district is implementing new a new curriculum for both math and language arts this year, according to Spirito.

The new math curriculum was developed by Nancy Schultz from Montclair State University in conjunction with the district's teachers. It will include more hands-on learning, Spirto said.

"It's going to change the way we teach math," Spirito said.

Students will work one-on-one with teachers or in small groups catered more directly to their abilities in the new language arts curriculum, according to Meadowbrook School Principal Christopher Bell.

"I think it's going to be a positive change for us," Spirito said.

As the new superintendent, Spirito said he hopes to keep a communicative relationship with the district's parents and staff. He also said he wants to continue finding new ways for the district to improve and make it the best possible environment for the students.

"My goal is to continue what's been started here, and to build upon it," Spirito said.

Hillsdale schools open for the new year Wednesday.

Have a question or news tip? Contact editor Jim Leggate at Jim.Leggate@patch.com, or find us on Facebook and Twitter. For news straight to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.