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BUTLER - BOE hires new superintendent
(by Stephen Janoski - Staff Writer - August 13, 2008)
BUTLER - In a long-awaited announcement, the Board of Education named Mario Cardinale as superintendent of schools for the district.
The vote, which took place at a special meeting on Thursday, Aug. 7, was unanimous in favor of the appointment.
Cardinale’s five-year contract, which will eventually be posted on the district’s Web site for curious residents, will begin on or before Nov. 1 and expire on July 1, 2013.
He will receive a salary of $178,000 prorated for the 2008-09 school year.
The 53-year-old Cardinale, who currently heads the West Essex Regional School District, has been an educator for 32 years, 17 of which were in the capacities of either principal or vice principal. For the past nine years he has served as superintendent in varying districts.
“I was in Riverdale for five years, Boonton for three and West Essex Regional for a year and a half,” said Cardinale.
He stated that he is “very excited” about coming to Butler’s 1,220-student school district.
“I wanted to get back to a K-12 district. I like working with elementary students, and I enjoy Morris County; my experience as a principal was mostly in Morris County. I like this area, and I like the kind of town Butler appears to be — a strong, family-oriented community,” said Cardinale.
The Newark native is a 31-year Caldwell resident and looks forward to getting to know the people of Butler.
“My initial goal is just to get to know as much as I can about the district, its programs, and the town itself,” said Cardinale.
When asked about the length of his contract, Cardinale said, “It’s important that the school board and the superintendent have a shared sense of commitment. Their willingness (and my willingness) to commit to that length of a contract is a good indicator for a long, strong relationship. That’s what it takes to move forward today.”
He also stated his support for the three-part, $3.9 million Sept. 30 referendum to conduct renovations on three fields in the borough.
“I won’t be here yet when the vote happens, but I support the referendum. An investment in the district’s facilities is an investment in the kids and the community,” he said.
The deciding factor in the search was Cardinale’s overwhelming experience in the field, said School Board President Rosemarie Lakawicz.
“The expertise he has, that meant a lot. We know what he’s done in the past, and we were looking for the person who was the best fit for Butler. We’re hoping it’s going to be pleasant and last a lifetime!” said Lakawicz.
Cardinale is replacing former superintendent Rene Rovtar, who left on June 30 to assume a post at the Long Branch Township School District. Interim Superintendent Elaine Baldwin has led the district since then, and will continue to do so until Cardinale assumes the responsibility in the fall.
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