As you know, Dr. Lynn Kratz retired following the 2013-2014 school year. At the beginning of May, the district began an extensive search for her replacement. After screening the approximately fifty resumes, eight candidates were interviewed. Two finalists were selected to meet with a committee consisting of teachers, administrators, Board of Education members, Home and School Association representatives, and parents. At the conclusion of the process, Dr. John Alfieri was chosen as the new Bernardsville Middle School Principal. 

Some of Dr. Alfieri’s career highlights include the following: teaching middle school and elementary school math in Parsippany, leading K-5 schools in West Orange and Short Hills as principal, and serving as superintendent in Clinton, Vernon, and Livingston School Districts. Dr. Alfieri has experience in many areas that support Somerset Hills School District’s goals. He has partnered with Columbia University- Readers and Writers Workshop project to organize on-site professional learning in balanced literacy. Dr. Alfieri has worked with supervisors in other districts to implement the Math in Focus curriculum. He supported teachers in the study and implementation of the new Common Core Standards. Additionally, Dr. Alfieri has organized training for faculty in the area of differentiated instruction to meet students’ unique needs, while teaching to the goals of academic growth and engagement.

We are excited about the vast experience Dr. Alfieri brings to our district and welcome him as Principal of the Bernardsville Middle School.