MMS DEPARTURES SPARK CONCERN, DISTRICT SEEKS CALM

With two top administrators at Maplewood Middle School suddenly leaving this summer, the school district is scrambling to replace them and quell concerns from many parents of the school's uncertain future.

After Maplewoodian.com broke the news that Assistant Principal Marc Gold was leaving for a similar job in Morristown, social media blew up with concerns and sadness at the loss of someone many felt was the driving force behind the school's successes.

This came on the heels of the earlier surprise resignation of MMS Principal Jerrill Adams last month. That was further complicated when Superintendent John Ramos announced that Adams' successor choice had been delayed and would likely not be chosen until September. He added that Assistant Principal Louis Brown would serve as interim principal when school opens.

Ramos sought to ease concerns with a letter to parents yesterday. See it below:

Dear Maplewood Middle School Community,

I am writing to inform you that we have reopened the search for the next MMS principal. The first round of interviews was conducted over two full days, and two candidates proceeded to the second round.  However, neither candidate advanced past the second round.

We are committed to recruiting a strong, talented and compassionate educational leader to serve as the next MMS principal.  This is an important position, so we want to take the time needed to find the right person for this role.

I am delighted to let you know that Mr. Louis Brown has once again agreed to step up and serve in the role of interim principal while we continue our search. Mr. Brown has been the backbone of the MMS administrative staff through several transitions, and has a deep understanding of the school and a wealth of experience.  We are in the process of identifying another person to support Mr. Brown and the team during this transition period.

In the meantime, Assistant Principal Marc Gold has accepted a position in another district.  Mr. Gold is an up and coming educator with a bright future as evidenced by his work here in SOMSD.  We wish him the best in his decision. Mr. Gold will stay with us through mid-September to help with a smooth opening of school.

Times of transition can be unsettling. We will provide additional support during these next few months to ensure that MMS provides a warm, collaborative, and inspiring learning environment for all students and staff.

Sincerely,
John J. Ramos
John J. Ramos, Sr., Ed.D.

Still, many are worried that the new school year will be more difficult and, at least, less organized than in the past.