Board of Education announces Perry’s retirement, search for Tatem principal

The Haddonfield Board of Education released updates to the school community on Monday, Dec. 18 regarding Richard Perry’s retirement and the Tatem principal search.

In a pair of letters from the Haddonfield Board of Education released on the morning of Monday, Dec. 18, the board announced Superintendent Richard Perry’s intention to retire effective Feb. 28. Additionally, the board updated the Haddonfield community regarding the timeline for selecting a new principal at J. Fithian Tatem Elementary School.

Perry had planned to continue on as superintendent through June 30, but according to the letter, was unable to due to “an urgent family matter.” The board will accept his letter of intention at the Jan. 4 Board of Education meeting.

In the first letter, the board released a statement from Perry regarding his intentions to move up his retirement.

“Haddonfield has been the greatest educational experience I ever had and the administrative team was, by far, the best I have ever known,” Perry was quoted as saying in the letter. “Your loyalty and friendship have been very much treasured and appreciated. The students are absolutely the most academically, athletically, and artistically talented students that anyone can ever imagine.”

Perry will be out of the office on earned leave for the remainder of December through February.

In the second letter, the board provided updates on the search for Tatem’s pricipal. Bob Pupchik will serve as interim principal, beginning Monday, Jan. 22. Current principal Karen Schultz’s last day will be Friday, Jan. 26, according to the letter. Pupchik has been with the Haddonfield School District since August 2017 and has been serving as Central School Principal during Ms. Simkus’ maternity leave, which will conclude Jan. 2.

The search for a new principal is coinciding with the district’s search for a new superintendent. According to the letter, the district’s goal is for the new superintendent to be named in April, in time to participate in the final round of principal interviews. The new principal will be introduced to the Tatem community before the end of this school year, with an expected start date of July 1, 2018.

“We will continue to communicate with you as the timeline progresses, and we appreciate your understanding during this transition,” the second letter concluded.

For updates, visit the district’s website at http://www.haddonfield.k12.nj.us/