One month after Brian Harris’ resignation as Grover Middle School principal, the School Board unanimously approved the appointment of Lamont Thomas at the June 9 meeting.
Thomas is currently principal at the acclaimed Science Park High School in Newark, where he has been an administrator for nine years.
“I’m extremely excited,” Thomas says. “From the board to the superintendent to community members, everyone has one goal in mind: moving kids to the next level.”
According to Thomas the Newark school district, with 40,000 students and 70 schools, has a range of quality. Science Park is a high achieving grade 7-12 school, one of 16 high schools in the district.
“You have great schools such as Science Park, and there are others where kids barely get out of high school. I am leaving a great community, and it became clear to me I’m walking into the same community. As far as achievement level, it’s the same there as it is here.”
The incoming Grover principal grew up in Perth Amboy and currently lives in Kendall Park. Thomas studied English at Rutgers and has a master’s in teaching and curriculum from Harvard.
“Lamont Thomas has a strong background in middle school and high school instruction, and a dedication to student achievement and success,” wrote superintendent David Aderhold in a June 5 E-mail announcing the recommendation.
In a June 26, 2014, post on his website, former Star-Ledger journalist Bob Braun reports Thomas announced his future departure on the school PA system after state-appointed superintendent Cami Anderson gave Thomas a “partially effective” evaluation.
Thomas denies Braun’s account of him using the PA system to announce his departure. He says that at the final staff meeting of the school year last June, he gave one year’s notice that he will be leaving Science Park.
“As a professional it’s time for me to move on and help another community,” Thomas says. “I’m going to miss my school and staff. I’ve been with Newark for nine years. I’ve mastered what I’ve done currently. It’s helpful and healthful for me to not be stagnant.”
In other news, the board also approved the appointment of Richard Flamini as interim director of special education.
