Schools

Former Washington Teacher to Head Caldwell-West Caldwell Schools

Board of Education announces results of superintendent search.

The announced Monday that James Heinegg will replace longtime Superintendent Daniel Gerardi, who will retire in June.

Heinegg, a resident of West Caldwell, comes to the district from Roxbury Township Public Schools, where he has served as Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Testing for the past three years.

“After several interviews with finalist candidates and much reflection, the Board has reached a strong consensus to approve Dr. James Heinegg to serve as Superintendent effective July 1, 2012,” stated a letter from Board President Maureen McNish sent home to parents.

Find out what's happening in Caldwellswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Heinegg will be formally appointed at the next public board meeting scheduled for Monday, Feb. 13.

The search for a new superintendent began in the fall when Superintendent Gerardi announced his plans to retire after 27 years with the district. Gerardi’s retirement is effective June 30, 2012.

Find out what's happening in Caldwellswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The Board hired West Hudson Associates, based in Malden-on-the-Hudson, N.Y., to assist with the search, and also asked for input from administrators, staff and district parents.

“The recruitment and selection of the Superintendent of Schools are the most important responsibilities for a Board of Education to accomplish. Due to Dr. Gerardi’s longevity in the district, it is a process the current Board, fortunately, did not have to face until this year,” stated McNish.

Heinegg is not new to the Caldwell-West Caldwell district. He began his career teaching fifth grade at in West Caldwell in 1991. After leaving the district in 2001, he became Supervisor of Curriculum in Saddle Brook.

He holds a bachelor’s in philosophy from Union College in New York as well as master’s degrees from the University of Texas at Austin and Montclair State University. He was awarded a doctorate in education from Teachers College Columbia University in 2005.  

Heinegg resides in West Caldwell with his wife and daughter who is a 2009 graduate of James Caldwell High School.

Staff and parents were notified of the board’s decision to hire Heinegg Monday via email.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here