Superintendent's Message
Dear Cranford Staff and Community,
My excitement for this role is difficult to put into words—there simply is no box large enough, even one the size of Cranford, to contain it. I grew up in Union County and have proudly dedicated my entire career to serving its communities. I began as a middle school teacher in Plainfield, then continued my journey at Rahway High School, where I served as a teacher, Manager of Operations, Vice Principal/Guidance Director, and instructional leader. I later joined Governor Livingston High School in Berkeley Heights as an Assistant Principal before coming to Cranford High School and now having the tremendous honor of serving as Superintendent of Schools. Leading a district with such strong values, traditions, and community pride is both humbling and deeply meaningful.
The town of Cranford is energized, committed, and driven by excellence—qualities that are clearly reflected in our school system. Our award-winning academic programs, outstanding performing arts, and exceptional athletic teams highlight the remarkable talent and dedication of our students and staff. As Superintendent, I am committed to supporting this passionate community through enthusiastic, collaborative leadership focused on excellence at every level and for every student.
To share a bit about myself, I am fortunate to have an incredible family to whom I credit much of my success—especially my parents and my amazing wife. Outside of school, I enjoy tackling construction projects, playing board games, solving escape rooms, and dancing with my kids. While golf can be frustrating, there is nothing more relaxing than watching a ball soar through a clear blue sky. I have also participated in three dance competitions as a teacher and assistant principal—winning two of them—and once had more than 500 pies thrown at me to raise money for children. Finally, I have an identical twin, so if you ever see me and I do not say hello, it was definitely him.
There are many words that could describe me, but one stands above the rest: dedicated. I am dedicated to the students, families, staff, and community of Cranford. Together, as teachers, secretaries, custodians, coaches, and administrators, we will continue to strengthen and improve our schools. Our staff is exceptional, and I am confident in our collective ability to achieve any goal set before us.
In addition to my starting in this role, below are some other changes in our administrative team across the district:
Mrs. JoAnn Sei - Director of Special Services
Mr. Ron Laxamana - 6-12 Special Education Supervisor
Dr. Gina Donlevie - Cranford High School Principal
Mr. Kevin Deacon - Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction
Mrs. Nicole Vaccaro - Hillside Avenue School Principal
Mrs. Jamie Geltzeiler - Hillside Avenue School Assistant Principal
If you would ever like to connect, please feel free to reach out to me at 908-709-6202 or [email protected]
I look forward to working alongside all of you as we continue to move Cranford forward together.
Sincerely,
Mark Cantagallo
Cranford Public Schools
Superintendent