Curriculum Supervisor Resignation 'Bittersweet'

Curriculum Supervisor Karen Chase may be gone from Montville after June 30, but she certainly will not be forgotten as echoed in comments by Montville Township Public Schools Board of Education members Tuesday night.

The board formally accepted during the meeting, but not before several members praised her hard work with the district's literacy program and other curriculum initiatives over her tenure with the district. Chase has served in her current role since 2010 and before that was the Language Arts K-12 supervisor, Basic Skills Instruction and Gifted and Talented Education supervisor in the district. She will assume her new role in Chatham the first week in July.

"Karen really elevated literacy in our district to a great, great deal," Board President Dr. Karen Cortellino said.

Board Member Jackie Ritschel said she has had the opportunity to work closely with Chase as the board's liaison to the Curriculum Committee.

"It's been enlightening, educational, I've learned so much from you. I will sorely miss you," she told Chase.

Chase said the decision to leave Montville for the Chatham position was not easy, but helps her reach her goals.

"I'm very excited. It's a professional goal of mine to be an assistant superintendent," she said.

She also praised the board for allowing her to grow, professionally, in Montville.

"I feel like I've learned so much in Montville and the board's been so supportive. It's bittersweet," she said.

Echoing the remarks of Cortellino, Chase said her proudest accomplishment over the past several years in the district has been working on the literacy program.

"I'm very proud that we've really moved the literacy program forward," she said.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Paul Fried said he had the opportunity to work with Chase over the past two years and that Chase has proved how essential her position is to the future of the Montville school district. Addressing not only Chase's but as well, Fried said the community should be aware of how crucial the administrative positions are to the district and to making sure the staff and students are well taken care of.

Fried said when interviewing for the curriculum supervisory role, Chase stood out. He also recommended Chase for the Chatham position.

"I was very pleased to be able to recommend you to the new superintendent in the Chatham schools and I know you'll do very, very well there," Fried said.

Cortellino said she hopes to see Chase back in Montville in the future.

"You really are a rising star, so maybe, one day, we'll see you back here in a bigger role," she said.