Glen Rock Superintendent Of Schools Choice Up For Vote

GLEN ROCK, NJ — The Glen Rock Board of Education has chosen its next superintendent of schools, they announced on Friday.

The board was expected to vote on a resolution to approve Dr. Nicholas DeStefano for the role at their meeting on Monday night.

Next Superintendent of Schools

A district spokesperson said that the choice was made after an extensive search process with three rounds of interviews with the board, as well as community input and a reference check.

DeStefano is expected to begin working in the district on Dec. 27.

A statement from the board read, "The members of the Glen Rock Board of Education are unanimously impressed with Dr. DeStefano’s record of outstanding leadership, experience, and commitment to educational excellence. Dr. DeStefano is an accomplished educational leader with 21 years of experience in public education, spanning classroom instruction, school administration, and district-level leadership. His experience across a wide range of instructional and administrative roles has provided him with a comprehensive understanding of public education."

DeStefano previously served as assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction for the East Orange School District, where he led curriculum, instruction, professional learning, and strategic initiatives for 20 schools serving approximately 9,000 students.

During his tenure in East Orange, DeStefano and his team secured more than $6 million in competitive grant funding, supported the implementation of a K-5 literacy initiative, and expanded access to Advanced Placement coursework, a spokesperson said. They also advanced new opportunities, including the opening of a specialized gifted and talented school, expanded SAT access, and universal screening for giftedness.

Among the district's results, the number of students earning the New Jersey State Seal of Biliteracy more than doubled. The seal recognizes students who demonstrate proficiency in English and at least one other language, a credential that can support college and career opportunities.

During his interviews with the board, DeStefano identified increasing the number of students testing for the Seal of Biliteracy as an opportunity to expand pathways for Glen Rock students, a vision the Board found compelling.

Before joining East Orange, Dr. DeStefano spent eight years in the Weehawken Township School District, most recently serving as Director of Academic Programs and Student Achievement.

DeStefano spent a decade teaching eighth grade social studies.

"He believes that understanding history helps young people make sense of the world around them and their place within it," the district said in a statement.

He had also served as head football coach at Bogota and Weehawken and as offensive coordinator at Tenafly and Fair Lawn.

DeStefano earned his Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Saint Peter’s University, a master’s degree from Montclair State University, and a bachelor’s degree from Franklin & Marshall College.

His doctoral research examined students’ perceptions of school safety, reflecting his longstanding commitment to creating safe, supportive, and welcoming learning environments.

His leadership philosophy, “High expectations without high anxiety,” emphasizes maintaining rigorous standards while fostering a positive, supportive environment in which students, educators, and families can thrive, the district said.

DeStefano and his wife Kimberly, a literacy coach in the Clifton School District, are both third-generation educators, reflecting a shared family commitment to public education. They are also the parents of two school-aged children.

Read more Glen Rock school news here.