Roxbury Superintendent moves to Jefferson

ROXBURY – Two superintendent positions have been vacated and filled this month, highlighted by the move of Roxbury’s former Superintendent Patrick Tierney to the Jefferson School District.

Tierney was approved at the Jan. 4 Jefferson Township Board of Education meeting, ratifying a resolution dating back to mid-December. He is replacing retiring Jefferson Schools Superintendent Joseph Kraemet.

Tierney was expected to begin his tenure as Jefferson’s Superintended “on or before” April 14, but was granted an early release from his contract requirements by Roxbury.

“I was looking for a different challenge from a professional standpoint,” Tierney said. “I’m excited but leaving Roxbury is a bittersweet move. There are a lot of good people there but it’s time for a change.”

Tierney said he plans to spend the next six months personally meeting every faculty and staff member, while immersing himself in the policies and culture of the school district.

And if there a few snow days along the way, expect at least one of Tierney’s trademark messages, where he enlists help from students and sings a song about the early dismissal or school closure.

“I walked into the high school last week and the choir looked at me and just said, ‘it’s him!’” Tierney said. “The technology may be different in the district, but you can expect something on YouTube or Facebook. I’ve already got one student writing something. He asked if I wanted an original song or a cover. I said, ‘surprise me.’”

Tierney’s last day in Roxbury was Jan. 4, and he began in Jefferson the following day. He recently posted a letter to the community on the district’s official website. Kraemet retired at the end of 2015.

“I am very excited and honored for this opportunity to become the chief education officer for the district,” Tierney said in the letter.

“Jefferson Township has a great reputation - from the children and schools and the dedicated staff and employees of the district, to the always involved and committed families and community members, to the supportive Township officials and emergency services professionals. I look forward to becoming a collaborative member of the team and continuing to improve on the legacy of the district.”

Prior to serving as Roxbury’s superintendent, Tierney was a middle school principal and then superintendent in the Rockaway Borough school district.

Tierney’s contract with Jefferson extends through June 30, 2019.

Roxbury’s last superintendent, Michael Rossi, similarly left for the same job in another Morris County school district, Madison.

Radulic takes over in Roxbury

In Roxbury, Loretta Radulic is now serving as acting superintendent for the district.

Radulic’s contract is currently under review with County Superintendent Roger Jinks, but is expected to become the district’s official superintendent following the Jan. 25 Board of Education meeting, according to the school district.

“The Roxbury Board of Education has decided to forego a search outside of the district since we have a very competent replacement in the person of Loretta Radulic,” Board President Ron Lucas said. “She has been working in Roxbury for the past six years and knows the people, the programs, and the problems of the district. We have every confidence that she will continue to move the district forward in a very positive way.”

Radulic has been in the Roxbury School District since 2010, when she began as the Humanities Supervisor for grades seven through 12. She was appointed assistant superintendent in July 2012 and has served in an administrative role since 2003.

I would like to offer my sincere appreciation and thanks to the Board of Education for their faith and trust in me to serve as the leader of an exceptional district – one that continues to grow, achieve, and surpass expectations,” Radulic said. “I am extremely optimistic about the bright future of Roxbury Township Public Schools.”

Staff Writer Michael Izzo: 973-428-6636; mizzo@GannettNJ.com