Dr. Lydia Furnari, the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction at the South Orange Maplewood School District, will leave the district on June 30th. Dr. Furnari has accepted a job as the superintendent at Franklin Lakes Public Schools, a K-8 district in western Bergen County.
In a statement posted on the SOMSD website, Dr. Furnari said "I want to thank Dr. Osborne and the Board for their continued support. I cannot emphasize enough my deepest admiration and respect for the administrators, staff, students, families and communities of South Orange & Maplewood. When I joined the school district two years ago, I knew this was a special place, and I continue to marvel at the level of professionalism and dedication of all stakeholders in ensuring that all of our children are well served. While I eagerly anticipate this next exciting stage in my educational journey, I will truly miss the wonderful people I have come to know, and hold in the highest regard".
Dr. Brian Osborne, superintendent of the South Orange Maplewood School District, said "Dr. Furnari has consistently proven her creativity and dedication to meeting the varied needs of all learners since she joined us two years ago. During her tenure here, she has brought a new level of collaboration and professionalism to the Office of Curriculum and Instruction, and has helped us move forward on key initiatives including the transition to the Common Core State Standards, implementation of the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme in our middle schools, and developing new strategies for meeting the needs of gifted and talented students. I know the SOMSD community joins me in thanking Dr. Furnari for helping to continue building momentum as we strive to fulfill our mission of preparing each and every student for post-secondary educational success. Please join me in wishing her well in her new role."
According to the Franklin Lakes-Oakland Suburban News, Dr. Furnari was introduced at Franklin Lakes Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, March 25th. Before SOMSD, Dr. Furnari worked in Montclair and Elizabeth.