JACKSON – Retiring Superintendent Stephen Genco could never have imagined his last year as educational leader of the township school district would involve a shut down of schools.
The search for his successor continued through COVID-19 pandemic guidelines. That search, which began last fall, has come to an end with the promoting of one of the district’s two assistant superintendents, Nicole Pormilli.
Following a search that featured dozens of applicants from across the state and the region, the Board of Education recently announced Pormilli’s appointment stating that they had determined her to be the best choice to replace Genco.
Parents were informed of the selection in a notification to families and staff earlier this month and posted information on the district website.
“In any other reality, we would have put out advanced notice and announced this information right after the Board of Education voted at their March 18 meeting to approve (Pormilli’s) appointment. However, in this reality of COVID-19 and its consequences, nothing about our March 18 meeting was as it should have been,” the announcement stated.
“Our efforts and attention were focused on getting our students and staff set up and acclimated to Remote Learning Plans and getting supports and services in place. Given these pressing priorities, Mrs. Pormilli’s appointment announcement was put aside so we could focus on our students and staff,” the statement added.
Pormilli has a broad depth of experience in her 28 years in education, including nine years as an assistant superintendent and 15 years of central administration experience. A former literacy teacher, she believes in delivering both the educational and social emotional needs of all learners with compassion and excellence.
The newly hired superintendent said, “I have been fortunate enough to work with and learn from Dr. Genco and so many others and I am honored to have been appointed to this position. Jackson is a very special place, and it is truly a privilege to take on this responsibility.’’
Pormilli said the way the school community has adapted and excelled during the school closure and remote learning experience is just one of many examples of how this district takes care of its community.
“Jackson has excellent educators, administrators and staff members who believe deeply in educating and supporting children in every way,” she added.
“I look forward to keeping the tradition of Jackson excellence while also developing in areas that will provide the skills students need for future success. Together, we will continue to raise our students up so they have the brightest futures possible,” Pormilli said.
Her appointment was a unanimous one on the board of education.
“We looked long and hard to find exactly the right person to guide us through what we know is an ever-changing landscape, and we found it right here in Jackson,’’ Board of Education President Michael Walsh said.
Walsh added, “her strong background in curriculum and years of experience have allowed her to develop a clear vision for how to best serve our students and staff. We are fully confident in her ability to lead us into the future.’’
Genco praised the board’s decision saying, “it’s very difficult to leave a district, staff and students that I love, but knowing I am leaving them in such capable hands makes it a bit easier.’’
“I have worked with Mrs. Pormilli for nine years and she is truly one of the most competent and caring professionals that I have ever had the pleasure of working with. I am sure that she will continue to foster all the characteristics that make Jackson such a special place.”
When Genco announced his retirement late last summer, some board members jokingly said they would not accept it noting their wish for him to remain.
Genco, a Point Pleasant resident, was hired as superintendent in May of 2014. He previously served as the assistant superintendent. At the time of his hiring he had been the fourth superintendent in the last three years.
Genco said that while he will be retiring, he would be involved with some part-time teaching at a college. He also said that his wife is the superintendent of the Cranberry school district. “I think we have the distinction of being the only husband and wife superintendents.”
His last day is July 1.
