Newton’s new superintendent intends to help a growing community thrive

by Logan Daingerfield

The Newton Public Schools' Superintendent seat is once again changing hands. Dr. Piccirillo will be taking up the mantle of Superintendent in December, and his experience and dedication to the wellbeing of the students and faculty shows promise for the future of Newton.

Prior to accepting the position of Superintendent at Newton, Piccirillo was superintendent of Hopatcong public schools. Prior to that, he worked in Nyack as an administrator, and later worked in Vernon as a supervisor, and later as a director.

Piccirillo did not always work in education. After his time at New York University, he pursued a career in music. He worked at Carnegie Hall prior to the birth of his first child. He realized that the job he had made it difficult to be there for his son, and so he moved to Nyack to pursue a career in education.

Piccirillo shows a dedication to maintaining what is good about Newton, and is more ready and willing to make it something great. He wants to do what is best for the students, faculty, and community at large. Piccirillo does not want to impose on the initiatives and norms that have already been established by past administrators; instead he wants to expand upon and improve them. He plans to spend the beginning of his time as superintendent observing and listening to the community, and making decisions that will improve the Newton schools for everybody. Piccirillo cares immensely for the wellbeing of the community he is joining, and he intends to do everything in his power to ensure it flourishes.

Piccirillo is looking forward to working at Newton, and joining the community the district fosters. “There is a lot of pride [at Newton] that you can feel when you walk around,” commented Piccirillo. “People really like being here, and that’s not just the students, that’s the staff too. Everyone around here is incredibly welcoming, really genuine, and really kind.” Piccirillo has already shown his dedication to honoring the traditions and values of the Newton district. He has no intention to rule with an iron fist, instead opting to learn and grow alongside the people who have already contributed so much to the community.