SOMA Board of Education approves appointment of four new administrators

From left are Pamela Murray, Bridgett Green, Dara Gronau and James Manno.

SOUTH ORANGE / MAPLEWOOD, NJ — At its Aug. 22 meeting, the South Orange-Maplewood Board of Education approved the appointment of four new administrators to the South Orange-Maplewood School District:

Dara Gronau, Maplewood Middle School principal

Gronau received her master’s degree in administration and supervision from Montclair State University and her bachelor of arts degree in psychology from Vanderbilt University in Tennessee. Gronau recently served as district supervisor of ELA and media in Ridgewood Public Schools and served as high school principal at West Side High School in Newark. She is also a graduate and track star from Columbia High School. Prior to her appointment as principal in Newark, Gronau served as the high school assistant principal at West Side, resident principal in the New Leaders for New Schools program and teacher for Teach for America. Gronau began in her new position on Aug. 24.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to be returning home,” Gronau said in a press release. “The last time I was in the (BOE meeting) room, the relay team was being recognized, so I feel that I have come full circle. I look forward to working with Maplewood Middle School. I understand that it is a wonderful staff that is strong, experienced and ready to do great things. I can’t wait to work with staff, parents and especially students.”

James Manno, supervisor of fine arts K-12

Manno received his master’s degree in administration and supervision from St. Peter’s College and his bachelor of arts degree in music from Ithaca College in New York. Most recently, Manno served as vice principal of performing arts and television at Arts High School in Newark, and prior to that as the department’s chairman. Manno also served as the summer school principal at the Summer Arts Program. His work as school leader and background in program development speaks to his strengths to cultivate relationships and lead instructional programs, according to the release. Manno is projected to start on Oct. 22.

Bridgett Green, supervisor of special services

Green received her master’s degree in educational leadership, management and policy, her bachelor of science degree in elementary education, and her bachelor of arts degree in communication, all from Seton Hall University. Most recently, Green served as a trainer for the East Orange Department of Special Education Services, and was the LRE, or least restrictive environment, district specialist. She also is currently the New Jersey Institute of Technology pre-college program instructor for grade-six students. Prior to her appointment as the trainer for the East Orange Department of Special Services, Green served as elementary school teacher of English and language arts in East Orange. In addition, Green also served as the site supervisor and principal for the East Orange Summer Extended School Year Program. Green’s work as school leader and background in teacher training and LRE speaks to her strengths to cultivate relationships and lead instructional programs, according to the release. Green is projected to start on Oct. 22.

Pamela Murray, supervisor of youth development and pupil services

Murray received her doctorates in administration and leadership studies at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, a master of science degree in education, development and strategies from the University of Wilkes and a bachelor of science degree from the University of Scranton. Murray served as a high school principal at Abington Heights School in Clarks Summit, Penn., and also served as assistant principal overseeing the day-to-day operations of 15 academic departments and student affairs. Murray also served as a science teacher prior to her promotion to administration. Murray’s work as school leader and background in leadership speaks to her strengths to cultivate relationships with students, staff and families to ensure that all students’ educational and social needs are met, according to the release. Murray will start on Aug. 22.