VHS Principal Accepts New Position

VHS principal Glenn Cesa will be taking a new position in the Verona district when current Athletic Director Gray Farishian resigns.  Mr. Cesa will be the district’s first Director of Athletics and Special Programs, a position completely new to the district. The announcement was made at the Tuesday, April 14 Board of Education meeting.

Mr. Cesa’s new position will become effective as of July 1. It is currently unknown who will step into the vacant position after that point.

Superintendent Rui Dionisio said that Mr. Cesa’s duties, in addition to including Mr. Farishian’s current duties, will broaden to cover district-wide issues. He will oversee the physical education staff as well as the health department staff, which includes supervising the nursing staff. He will also develop the peer-leadership program, and work with the district staff to improve the harassment, intimidation, and bullying-prevention (HIB) programs.

“Thirteen years has been a wonderful time to serve as principal in this high school,” Mr. Cesa told the Verona-Cedar Grove Times. “We have tremendous students and over the years I’ve continually been amazed by the achievements of our students.”

“I certainly want to build on the successes that Mr. Farishian has established during his tenure as athletic director,” Mr. Cesa said. “As far as special programs, I want to get out there and hear from various schools in the district and see what we can do to continue helping our students be their absolute best.”

Mr. Cesa came to VHS as assistant principal in 1993, serving in that capacity for several years before leaving briefly for a job in private industry.  He has been principal of VHS for 13 years, and spent 10 years before coming to VHS teaching social studies at Midland Park, Hanover Park, and Lakeland Regional while coaching high school football, baseball, and track before that.

Mr. Farishian, leaving after 35 years of service to the district, announced his retirement in March.