Monroe BOE officially appoints H.S. principal as acting superintendent

BY Christopher Lang, Correspondent, @topherlang2 | MonroeNow | Aug 1, 2018

MONROE – The Monroe Township School District has a new top administrator.

At the July 18 Board of Education meeting, trustees officially appointed high school Principal Robert Goodall as acting superintendent of schools after Michael Kozak’s contract was not renewed.

“I’d just like to thank all of you for your support in me for assuming this role this year,” said Goodall.

In his new role he will receive $186,000 for the deal that is from July 1 to June 30, “or until such time a permanent superintendent is appointed by the board,” said Business Administrator/Board Secretary Michael C. Gorski on Monday.

“Welcome to the Board of Education,” said trustee President Kathy Kolupanowich. “We hope you have a successful time here.”

With Goodall’s appointment, the board approved naming Scott Madreperla, the current high school vice principal as principal during the interim.

Madreperla has more than 30 years of experience in Monroe as a biology teacher, high school science coordinator and vice principal, Goodall said.

“It’s an honor and a privilege to serve the district in this role,” Goodall said. “I love the district. Being given the opportunity to steer this district is a dream come true for me.”

As for his long-term prospect as a full-time superintendent, Goodall said it is something he would consider.

“It’s always a consideration. But there hasn’t been the opportunity for me to do it as being a father and a high school principal,” Goodall said. “It might be something I consider in the future, but I’ll make that judgement after talking with my family.”

Goodall replaced Kozak who did not receive a new contract after he initially offered his letter of resignation to the school board in December 2017. The majority of the board in February instructed Gorski to ask Kozak to withdraw his resignation and to enter into negotiations.

Kozak had tremendous community support to remain in the district, but he also had his detractors. As for what lead to the separation between Kozak and the district is unclear. Both parties have yet to discuss what happened citing pending litigation and personal matters.

There is no timeline for when a search for full-time superintendent will start.