Morris Plains Schools Hire New Superintendent

the Morris Plains Schools now has a permanent face. The Morris Plains Board of Education announced on Thursday the appointment of Mark Maire to the position of Chief School Administrator/Child Study Team Director.

Maire starts his new role as Morris Plains superintendent June 1. He’s currently the principal at Fieldstone Middle School in the Montvale school district.

Maire’s arrival in the district follows an extensive search conducted by the Board of Education, which included soliciting significant input from the school community. "We are excited to have him join our team and continue our journey as we 'prepare all learners to excel in a changing world.'" said the district. 

Morris Plains community members are invited to meet Maire at the regular public board meeting at 7:30 P.M. April 23 in the Borough School Learning Center.

“For me it's a very exciting time. Morris Plains is an outstanding district and I'm truly enthusiastic to help it move forward on its path of excellence. I look forward to working with the board, administration, staff and members of the school community in my new role,” said Maire.

Dr. Ernest Palestis is currently the Interim Superintendent/CST Supervisor for Morris Plains. He and the school administration and staff are looking forward to Maire joining the team.

“I think he’ll be a perfect match for this school district and community,” said Palestis. “During the application process the board heard very positive comments about Mr. Maire from his current district and I think he’s going to be a long-term successful superintendent in Morris Plains.”

Although Maire doesn’t start until June 1, he’s already rolling up his sleeves and preparing for his new position.

“The board and administration has been supportive. I’ve been meeting with (Morris Plains) school administrators and attending board committee meetings to hopefully front load myself with information so we can shorten the  amount of time needed to transition,” said Maire.

"Also, Montvale and Morris Plains are very similar so the transition will be easier. It was important for me to find a district that was a good fit for me.”

Maire currently lives in Parsippany with his wife, Kelly and twin preschoolers, Matthew and Molly. 

“Because of where I live, I'm very familiar with the county and the Morris Plains area,” he said. “I'm a family person and the fact that I can now incorporate my family into the Morris Plains district is something I look forward to as well.”

After being promoted from Assistant Principal/Athletic Director, Maire served as the Principal of Fieldstone Middle School for five years. During this time he has worked closely with the District Business Administrator and Superintendent, was responsible for a $15.5 million budget and oversaw numerous school-wide initiatives. These included a comprehensive infusion of technology across the curriculum and a focus on creating a positive school atmosphere for students, faculty and community members.

“I invested seven years into the district, the staff and the community members. It'll be hard to leave but this presents an exciting opportunity for me in Morris Plains to create new friendships, accomplishments and new partnerships.”

One of the things that Maire takes pride in and hopes to imitate at Morris Plains is the 2013 3R's Day coming up in May at Fieldstone. He and his current school have been spearheading this event for six years now and the event aims to teach students the three ‘R’s (Respect, Reflect, Remember) by inviting speakers to discuss their personal experiences overcoming disabilities, intolerance, and adversity.

The impressive list of 50 speakers include survivors of major events such as the Holocaust, the Aurora shooting and 9/11. There are also speakers who have braved international experiences such as Sudan, Chad refugee camps, Rwandan and the Burundi genocide.

“It's very powerful and that emotional tolerance, responsibility and respect is very important to me. This is mostly likely the type of program I will bring to Morris Plains,” he said.

For the full list of speakers and to learn about the program, go to the Fieldstone School website.

“I look forward to enhancing and supporting the district. It's a well-achieving district that is reputable. Down the road I'm looking forward to working with all key stake holders and administrators to prepare students for success beyond Morris Plains.”

Maire is a graduate of William Paterson University and recipient of a Master of Arts in School Administration and Supervision from New Jersey City University. Maire has received local and state commendations for his 3R’s Day program.