New Morris school superintendent looks to build on district's excellence
MORRISTOWN — The Morris School District has a new permanent superintendent more than a year after the previous head of schools stepped down.
The district Board of Education approved Anne Mucci for the position on Monday. She will start on Jan. 1, 2023, and will work with interim superintendent Thomas Ficarra during the transition period.
"As a lifelong resident of Morris County, I always admired the rich history of the Morris School District and its commitment to continually increasing student achievement for all learners," Mucci said in a statement released by the district. "It is an honor to be appointed to this role, and I look forward to serving the district and continuing the tradition of excellence that has made the Morris School District a premier district in the state."
Mucci was hired after a lengthy process that began when the district's previous full-time superintendent, Mackey Pendergrast, announced his retirement last year. The board named Ficarra to the interim position in September 2021 and sought community input on the replacement via focus groups and a survey throughout the school year.
Board President Melissa Spiotta highlighted Mucci's expertise in curriculum instruction and leadership skills in choosing her from a pool of 38 candidates. She is also the executive director of the New Jersey Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development but will resign from the role to focus on the Morris district.
Additionally, Spiotta said, Mucci's references all mentioned her dedication to the community she serves — a crucial element for a district that includes all students in Morristown and Morris Township along with high school students from Morris Plains.
"That's a big piece for us," Spiotta said. "We really want someone who will be out there meeting with people in the community."
Mucci is the first woman to serve as superintendent of the Morris School District, a distinction she said "means a tremendous amount" in an interview with the Daily Record Wednesday morning.
Mucci was previously principal and superintendent in Mountain Lakes, where she was also the first woman in the district to be named to both positions. She has served in a mentor role for other women in education and is happy to see more of them being hired in administrative positions.
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"It's great to see more women represented in the superintendency," Mucci said. "It's something I take pride in."
Mucci has been superintendent of the Long Hill Township School District for the past two years. She started her educational career as a high school history teacher in Mountain Lakes and later served in various administrative roles in the district before being named superintendent.
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Mucci resigned from Mountain Lakes in 2019, a few months before the district was plagued by budget issues. When questioned about the topic Wednesday, Mucci said the district had a surplus of more than $800,000 and a "strong" capital reserve fund during her tenure, and any budget issues occurred "well after I left."
Mucci said Morris has always been a "district to watch" in the area in terms of student success. As she prepares to assume her new role, she is looking forward to maintaining and building on that success.
"I'm just delighted for the opportunity," Mucci said. "It's a wonderful opportunity for me to be in such an exceptional district."
This article originally appeared on New Jersey Herald: New Morris NJ schools superintendent talks priorities
