Franklin Lakes Approves New Principal for Woodside Elementary

Woodside Elementary acting principal Helen Attenello will soon be retiring from her post, and on Wednesday night the school board chose a permanent replacement whose educational career includes a long stint at the New Jersey Department of Corrections.

The Franklin Lakes Board of Education unanimously approved the hiring of Christine Laquidara Wednesday evening.

Her career path to the Woodside Avenue school is anything but ordinary.

Laquidara worked in the educational department of the New Jersey Department of Corrections for more than 15 years. In 2001, she left to join the Hopewell school district. By 2004, Laquidara had become principal of Hopewell Elementary School, and in 2010 became the regional school district's director of curriculum.

She has master's degrees in education from Rider and East Stroudsburg universities.

"This process has been so humbling for me," she said Wednesday. "As you get to know me you will see that I'm not the kind of person who wants to be out in front. My teachers and kids are the ones who do the work and they are the ones I like to promote."

Details of Laquidara's contract include a pro-rated salary of $152,000 from July 8, 2013 to June 30, 2014.

Appointed to the acting principal position following the controversial "resignation" of Dominick Rotante in August, Attenello said she'll be leaving Franklin Lakes with good memories.

"I am ready for the next chapter but it's been a fantastic 16 years here in Franklin Lakes," said Attenello, whose retirement is effective Aug. 1. "This is a tremendously supportive community with all the right values around education. They expect a lot and they provide a lot so it is a great balance."

Attenello said the district will be in good hands with Laquidara at the helm.

"[Laquidara] seems like she is going to be an outstanding fit. She is very grounded and I think her experience in the corrections department tells you a lot about her as a person and what she values. I think they made a great choice."

The school board is also excited for the new hire, and the feeling appears mutual.

"I am so excited to be here," Laquidara said. "I've had great experiences each time I've come up here and I can't wait to be here to stay."

Rotante re-filed his lawsuit against the district after the board failed to consider him for the position, his attorney said.