Replaces Rudnesky
effective Jan. 1, 2023
HAMMONTON—High school teacher and band director Tim White was named as Dr. Kimberly Rudnesky’s replacement as the assistant principal at Hammonton High School, effective January 1, 2023, at the December 8 meeting of the Hammonton Board of Education.
White spoke during the second public comment portion of the meeting.
“Over the past 17 years, I’ve served as a music educator and director of bands here in the Hammonton School District. I taught eight years at Hammonton Middle School, and then nine years here, currently, at Hammonton High School. I was also the program administrator for the middle school summer program during the past four years,” White said.
White said that he was excited to take on the role of assistant principal.
“I’m very grateful and just wanted to say ‘thank-you’ to all of you, very much, for your continued support—and I look forward to continuing serving our wonderful staff, students, community and school district,” White said.
Board president Sam Mento III expressed his admiration for White, both as a person and as a band director.
“You really have made a difference in those kids’ lives—and you inherited a pretty tough situation, so what you were able to accomplish really amazes me, and I’m so grateful,” Mento said.
Mento said that, when he was informed by Superintendent of Schools Robin Chieco of the choice to hire White as assistant principal, his first question was as to whether White would be able to continue serving as band director.
“I said no,” Chieco said.
Mento continued.
“The good thing for you is, as assistant principal, you might have to work a few less hours than being band director,” Mento said.
During the meeting, Board member Thomas Attanasi offered his congratulations.
“I was glad to see Tim White get an opportunity to showcase his leadership skills as the assistant principal at the high school. When I was the assistant principal—back in the day—at the middle school, Tim just came on as the music director, and I don’t really think you knew what you were getting yourself into. I’m glad he’s getting an opportunity, and I look forward to working with Tim,” Attanasi said.
Board member Lynda Byrnes, the head of the Curriculum Committee, extended her well-wishes to White.
“I was at the middle school at the time teaching sixth-grade art when he came on as the music director down there, and it was getting your feet wet—and you’ve created a family with the band. I’m sure these children will miss you, but you’re still going to be around—and that’s a good thing. There will be big shoes to fill,” Byrnes said.
Board member Kelli Fallon echoed those sentiments.
“It’s a little bittersweet, because I just want to thank him for his time and talent he’s devoted to our band. He just made a tremendous impact for so many kids, and we’re happy that he will continue to make an impact for kids; it’s just in a different way,” Fallon said.
Also during the meeting, the board voted to approve a letter of retirement from Kevin Clements, Hammonton Middle School assistant principal, effective January 31, 2023. Nicholas Justin LoSasso, who was previously a history teacher in the district, will begin as his replacement effective January 25, 2023.
Attanasi, who is the superintendent of the Stratford School District, noted that LoSasso was coming to Hammonton from his district; LoSasso is the vice principal of the Samuel S. Yellin School.
“An interview process is just a snapshot of what you’re really taking a look at. I’ve happened to be able to observe and watch Mr. LoSasso up close for the past three years, and I want to let everyone here know: you are getting an excellent administrator,” Attanasi said.
Attanasi said that LoSasso has built an excellent rapport with the district and community.
“It’s going to be really sad to see him leave, but—since I am retiring in 13 days—it’s good to see him coming to a good place—back to Hammonton,” Attanasi said.
Byrnes also congratulated LoSasso, whom she taught as a third-grade student.
“To see him coming back in a position of administration is a wonderful thing,” Byrnes said.
During the meeting, Chieco noted that LoSasso was unable to attend due to a prior commitment but sent a message, which she read into the record.
“I just want to take a moment to thank the board for providing me the opportunity to be welcomed back to Hammonton as assistant principal of Hammonton Middle School. I am forever grateful for this opportunity. I am eager to begin this new role, and looking to leading the students—as well as working with the faculty and staff at Hammonton Middle School,” Chieco read.
During committee reports, board member Kelli Fallon said that the solar array at Hammonton High School is on track to be fully operational by the end of December.
Under the Community Relations report, board member Ray Scipione reminded the board that Hall of Fame members are selected “every five years.”
“We’ve extended it this year—the entries—to April 15. So, if you go on our website and download the forms that you need to and return them to us by April 15,” Scipione said.
During the Finance Committee report, board member John Lyons spoke about the lease renewal for Hammonton Middle School to St. Joseph Academy for the sum of $81,500—plus the cost of any repairs—which was on the evening’s agenda. Lyons said that he was happy that the board was able to negotiate a lease that accomplishes several things.
“It occupies what would otherwise be an empty building in the center of town, provides an opportunity for jobs and for growth in the downtown community and also does not cost, but in fact generates profit, for the board of education. It’s always a good thing to take that money and invest it back into our educational programs,” Lyons said.
Before the conclusion of the meeting, Jordyn Bronsky—who was hired as early childhood/elementary school social worker—addressed the board.
“I graduated from Stockton University in 2019 with my master’s degree in social work, and I am certified in the state of New Jersey as a social worker—and I am super excited to get started, so thank you,” Bronsky said.
Before the conclusion of the meeting, Fallon inquired if a date was available for the board’s 2023 reorganization meeting. Business Administrator Barbara Prettyman replied.
“I believe reorganization will be on the fourth of January—that’s a Wednesday—at 7:30,” Prettyman said.
The next meeting of the board will be on January 4, 2023 at 7:30 p.m.