At its regular public meeting on June 13, the Westfield Board of Education voted on several key changes to district administration in the Westfield Public Schools.
With longtime Human Resources Specialist Barbara Ball retiring in mid-August, the Board approved the appointment of Dr. David Greer as Director of Human Resources, effective August 16.
Greer has over 20 years of experience in teaching and educational administration, most recently serving as Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Achievement in the Berkeley Heights Public Schools. From 2015-2020, Greer worked at the New Jersey Department of Education as Deputy Assistant Commissioner of Academics and Director of the Office of Standards and State Coordinator of World Languages.
Greer began his career as a world language teacher in Westfield and also served as Supervisor of World Languages and English Language Learners.
“The Human Resources Department plays a crucial role in the overall operation of a public school district. It is responsible for managing various aspects related to the district’s employees,” says Greer. “Overall, the department is integral to creating and maintaining a productive, supportive, and efficient work environment. I am looking forward to working in this capacity in a district that means so much to me.”
“Dr. Greer’s extensive knowledge of the Westfield Public Schools will be essential in leading the Human Resources Department,” adds Superintendent Dr. Raymond González. “This is critical to ensuring that the district recruits, hires, supports and retains an experienced and diverse staff.”
Greer holds a Doctorate from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, a Master of Arts in Instruction and Curriculum from Kean University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education from LaSalle University in Philadelphia.
The Board also approved the appointment of LaNova Schall as Principal of Edison Intermediate School, effective July 1. Schall, who joined Edison in August 2021 as assistant principal, will succeed Dr. Matthew Bolton who recently was appointed as Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Programs.
“In March, Mrs. Schall was Board-appointed as the next principal of McKinley School and was thrilled for the opportunity to join the McKinley community,” González explains. “Given the changes to leadership and support staffing at Edison, Mrs. Schall was among the candidates interviewed for the Edison principal position. With her considerable qualifications and knowledge of the Edison school community, she was the clear choice to lead EIS during this important transition.”
“Edison welcomed me with open arms when I joined Westfield in 2021,” says Schall. “I am thrilled that I can bring them continuity with the upcoming changes in leadership. I have become ingrained in the culture of the school. I know what the community values and the areas where further growth is necessary. I will come in prepared, knowing how to prioritize initiatives.”
As Edison assistant principal, Schall’s responsibilities include developing the master schedule for students, conducting faculty meetings on state testing, student conduct, and professional responsibilities, creating school-based goals for improvement of instruction, observing and evaluating teachers, communicating with families, and other critical duties.
Before joining Edison, Schall served as assistant principal for two years at the Van Derveer Elementary School in Somerville where she supported students and staff in a variety of ways.
Schall began her career in education in 2001 as a teacher in the New York City Public Schools. She moved to the East Orange Community Charter School in 2009, where she taught for 4 years before serving as Supervisor of Curriculum, Instruction, and Data for 4 years.
Schall received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Penn State University, a Master of Science in Teaching from Fordham University and an Educational Leadership Certificate from the NJEXCEL program. She holds a Supervisor Certificate from Seton Hall University and has recently earned a Certificate in School Management and Leadership through Harvard University.
At the June 13 Board meeting, Franklin Elementary Assistant Principal Mary McCabe was appointed as principal of McKinley Elementary School, also effective July 1.
“It is clear that McKinley is a warm and welcoming school,” says McCabe. “I am so excited to be a part of such a supportive and thriving community, and I look forward to building relationships with students, staff, and parents.”
Appointed assistant principal at Franklin Elementary School in July 2021, McCabe’s responsibilities included creating master schedules to maximize instructional time for students, leading school wide assemblies to build community and teach SEL skills, collaborating with colleagues to design hybrid instruction during the COVID-19 pandemic, supervising over 40 teachers and staff members, and providing encouragement and support to students and their families.
“The education profession encourages lifelong learning. I love being surrounded by students and staff who are hard working, curious, and constantly growing. It is very inspiring and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” McCabe says.
McCabe also notes that, as a member of the Strategic Planning Council, she had the opportunity to “hear the priorities, values, and wishes of the community as we create a plan for the future of the Westfield Public Schools.”
“One theme is the balance between mental health and academic rigor,” says McCabe. “I will emphasize this critical balance as principal of McKinley School.”
McCabe joined the district 19 years ago, teaching 4th grade at Franklin while serving as a literacy coach for grades 1-5. Prior to her years in Westfield, McCabe was a 4th grade teacher at Holy Trinity School for two years and an assistant track and field coach for four years at Union Catholic High School. She earned a Master in Arts in Educational Leadership from Seton Hall University in 2009 and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education in 2002 from St. Joseph’s University.
“As a Westfield High School graduate and longtime resident, Mrs. McCabe has deep connections to the community which, combined with her strong leadership skills and educational background, make her an ideal fit for McKinley,” González says.