Clark BOE Approves Seven More Hires for 2011-2012 School Year

The Clark Board of Education approved the hiring of seven more new teachers for the 2011-2012 academic year at Tuesday night’s meeting.

Superintendent Ken Knops introduced the new hires, who each thanked the Board for the opportunity to work in the district.

The seven new teachers’ contracts will be effective Sept. 1, the first day of the school year for teachers.

The new hires are:

• Cassandra Pestana, who received her degree from Boston University, and a master’s degree from Kean University. She will work the after-care program and Frank K. Hehnly School
• Lauren Silva, who received her undergraduate degree from Douglass College at Rutgers University, and a master’s degree at Kean University. She will be a special education paraprofessional aide within the Clark district.
• Gina Dubin, who received her degree at Kean University. She will be a special education paraprofessional aide within the Clark district.
• Kristina Novello, who received her undergraduate degree from Rugters University, and a master’s degree from Kean University. She will be a special education paraprofessional aide within the Clark district.
• Jenna Stafford, who received her degree from Quinnipiac University. She will be teaching second grade at the Valley Road School.
• Tara Filippini, who received her degree from Rutgers University. She will be filling in for a fourth grade teacher taking maternity leave at Valley Road School.

Knops said the permanent hires will be in a three-year induction program to help them assimilate into the Clark district.

"We’ve put good time into the screening process and have come out with great candidates."

Knops congratulated each teacher and welcomed her into the district.

Filippini worked in the Clark district as a maternity substitute two years ago, so when the opportunity arose to get back into Clark’s classroom, she couldn’t resist.

“I’m happy to still be here,” she said.