The Verona Board of Education has announced that Jeffrey Monacelli will be leaving H.B. Whitehorne Middle School to become the new principal of Forest Avenue school.
Monacelli began his teaching career at HBW as a fifth grade teacher in 1998. He taught reading, English, math and science before becoming assistant principal there four years ago. Monacelli received his bachelors degree from Caldwell College and a master of arts in administration and supervision from Montclair State University. He is also an adjunct instructor at Montclair State University, Saint Peter’s College and Essex County College.
Charles Sampson, Verona’s school superintendent, said there was an extensive search process to fill the position, which was opened by the retirement of Tom Valente. An initial group of 25 candidates was winnowed to two, both of whom went before two separate review committees. “Both committees had Monacelli as their top candidate,” Sampson said. “And he had a plan of action that impressed me as superintendent.”
