CRANFORD — The Cranford Board of Education gave a warm welcome to new Supervisor of Performing Arts Jenna Kostovski, who spent 11 years as a general music teacher, vocal director and band director at the middle and elementary levels. She has leadership experience as a supervisor of visual and performing arts for Newark Public Schools, where district officials said she cultivated a strong collaborative focus on students’ social and emotional wellbeing through the arts. She earned her Masters degree in Educational Leadership from Montclair State University and holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from William Paterson University.
“From the bottom of my heart, I’d like to thank the board and the hiring committee,” Ms. Kostovski said. “I’m very appreciative of this opportunity. I’m just very excited to bring my experiences to Cranford, and it’s been such a wonderful, supportive community.”
Meanwhile, students are busy wrapping up the school year. High-school students are finishing up their Advanced Placement exams, and freshman and juniors will sit their New Jersey Student LearningAssessments (NJSLAs) next week. The district also is preparing for its upcoming Senior Night celebrations, where seniors and their families can go to the auditorium to pick out caps and gowns for graduation. Cranford’s Relay for Life will take place on Friday, May 17, and residents are encouraged to show their support.
“This is a busy and exciting time of year,” Superintendent Scott Rubin, Ed.D., said. “I would encourage students and residents to participate in as many activities as they can. I believe two of the events mentioned are open to the public. Part of what makes Cranford so special is that we have all of these events available to the community.”
Board member William Hulse reminded everyone that May is Mental HealthAwareness Month, and he also prided Cranford on being especially receptive to this area of students’ health. He reiterated the importance of talking about this topic. Superintendent Rubin agreed wholeheartedly.
“As you know, this is a topic near and dear to our hearts,” Dr. Rubin said. “Tony Anthony helps coordinate our Wellness Fair at the high school. It’s very well supported by colleagues, with positive participation from students and faculty.”
Board of Education President Kurt Petschow commented about the budget that was recently passed, stating that he was glad to see that no programs needed to be cut. He thanked the finance committee for all its hard work, and reminded residents how many districts are struggling with challenges surrounding their budgets.
