Central School principal search advances as curriculum committee flags middle-school performance dips

District administrators told the Warren Township Board of Education that the Central School principal search has narrowed to finalists after a large applicant pool, and the curriculum committee reported specific academic areas under review.

Dr. Mingle, speaking for the administration, said the district received "nearly 70 complete applications," completed screening and initial interviews, and has narrowed the field to finalists who will spend part of a day at Central School and be observed interacting with students. Dr. Mingle said a recommendation is expected at the May 11 board meeting.

Separately, Mr. Tor, reporting for the curriculum and technology committee, summarized winter I-Ready results and noted that while elementary schools showed broadly consistent results, the district has a persistent dip in seventh-grade math performance from the 2024-25 year and an unresolved decline in sixth-grade writing. Tor said the administration is investigating causes and potential interventions, including whether to add language-arts instructional time and assessing trade-offs for any curriculum changes.

The board received the updates as informational items; no formal action was taken on staffing or curriculum revisions at the meeting. The administration said it will return to the curriculum committee and the board with recommendations if significant instructional changes are warranted.

What happens next: finalists for the Central principal position will be hosted at Central School; the curriculum committee will continue its analysis of assessment results and propose short- and long-term interventions if appropriate.