Saddle River, NJ - After an extensive Superintendent search that included an exceptional pool of

applicants, the Saddle River Board of Education will appoint a new Superintendent/Principal to

replace the interim Superintendent as of July 1, 2025. The Saddle River Board of Education is

pleased to welcome Dr. Jennifer Macones. With over two decades of experience in education, Dr.

Macones is a passionate and innovative leader dedicated to fostering a thriving school culture

where students, educators, and staff feel valued, supported, and inspired.

A strong advocate for student success, Dr. Macones believes in creating an engaging and

dynamic learning environment where curiosity is nurtured, and students develop a lifelong love

of learning.

"When students and teachers are excited and motivated, school becomes an incredible experience.

My goal is to create an environment where learning is engaging, inspiring, and filled with

opportunities to grow. By fostering a culture of enthusiasm and curiosity, we build a strong

foundation that extends far beyond the classroom and into a lifetime of success," said Dr. Macones.

Dr. Macones earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Centenary University, where

she conducted a comprehensive study on the relationship between principal leadership and

teacher morale in K-12 schools. Her research, A Study of the Relationship Between Principal

Leadership and Teacher Morale in a K-12 School Setting (2019), examined best practices in

leadership that promote positive school culture and staff engagement. She also holds a Master's in

Educational Leadership from Centenary University and a Bachelor's degree from William Paterson

University.

Prior to joining Saddle River, Dr. Macones served as Principal of Birchwood Elementary School and

District 504 Coordinator for Rockaway Township Public Schools. A dedicated educational leader,

she has 10 years of experience as an administrator, serving both the Great Meadows and

Rockaway Township school districts. Throughout her career, she has led numerous initiatives,

including the development of STEAM and Makerspace programs, early education expansion, and

data-driven intervention models that have significantly improved student outcomes.

Beyond her work in schools, Dr. Macones is an author and speaker. She has written Make Your

School Awesome: Building School Climate and Morale and Food Fight: An Educator's Survival Guide

to Lunch and Recess Duty. Through her books and presentations, she shares practical strategies for

educators to build strong school communities, enhance classroom engagement, and boost teacher

morale.

The Saddle River Board of Education enthusiastically embraces Dr. Macones’ student-first

leadership, creating an enriching and inspiring learning environment for our community. The

Board would like to thank our interim Superintendent, Mr. Richard Freedman, for his service

throughout this transitional year and look forward to his continued guidance. We are confident

that Dr. Macones embodies the characteristics of a school leader that were defined within our

community candidate profile. We thank the community for their feedback throughout this

process.

We hope you will join us at the next BOE meeting to welcome Dr. Macones as we formally

approve her contract. The meeting will be held in the all purpose room on Tuesday, March 18

at 7:00 PM.

Sincerely,

The Saddle River Board of Education

G & T Activities

New Superintendent/Principal as of July 1, 2025