CRANFORD — The Cranford Board of Education met Monday to discuss the district’s performance on Spring 2025 NJSLA testing, as well as its self-reporting results for Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (HIB). The board approved the appointment of Dr. Gina Dunleavy as the next Principal of Cranford High School, and provided an update on referendum construction projects.
Superintendent Dr. Scott Rubin welcomed Dr. Dunleavy to the district by commending her “demonstrated history of effective educational leadership.” Dr. Dunleavy, who holds a Masters of Educational Administration and a Doctorate of Educational Leadership Management, will take the role from Mark Contagallo, who is stepping into Dr. Rubin’s shoes as superintendent. She brings a range of experience as an educator and principal at the middle and high school levels, and is an adjunct faculty member at Centenary University. “I’m so excited to continue Cranford’s success … [and] get into the high school and be a part of your culture,” Dr. Dunleavy told the board.
Director of Counseling, Dr. Lisa Burfeindt, presented the district’s 2024-25 HIB Self-Assessment scores, walking the board through the district and state processes. According to Dr. Burfeindt, the district saw a total of three confirmed cases of HIB. However, the district managed an additional 38 HIB reports through its ‘prescreening’ process, where the district’s lead HIB investigator and counselors were able to address student concerns without completing the full process, or where HIB was not substantiated.
“This is a chance for us to explain to families what …bullying is [under New Jersey state law],” Dr. Burfeindt said, explaining that “much of what comes forward is a conflict” instead of bullying. Prescreened HIB cases are often managed with plans like restorative action, counseling, and code of conduct violations. Schools can rate themselves a maximum of 78 points based on compliance with the state’s Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights, and all Cranford schools self-reported ratings of 70 or higher.
Dr. Burfeindt also thanked the board for its support in response to the deaths of Cranford High School (CHS) students Isabella Salas and Maria Niotas. “Because of the tragedy that happened in Cranford, we had unbelievable outreach from the community,” she said. Board president Kurtis Petschow thanked Dr. Burfeindt in return, stating “I saw firsthand what you and your team did for the entire school community during a tragedy.”
In her first report to the board, Student Representative Claire Keough shared that the CHS community raised nearly $2,000 for the families of Isabella Salas and Maria Niotas during a recent fundraiser. The donations will be distributed through Cranford Family Care.
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Brian Heineman also presented the district’s Spring 2025 New Jersey Student Learning Assessment (NJSLA) results which reflect student readiness district-wide in English LanguageArts (ELA), Mathematics, and Science. According to Dr. Heinneman, 74 percent of students scored passing or above in ELA and 67 percent scored passing or above in math compared to the state averages of 54 percent in ELA and 41 percent in math. Areas of note include overall growth for the 6th grade cohort, with Dr. Heineman calling the students “astounding … it’s been a trouble spot for us in the past as a transition grade.” The district continues to see differences in the early elementary years between those who were enrolled in the district’s full-day kindergarten versus those in half-day programs, but Dr. Heineman says testing data shows those differences even out over time.
The board also provided a construction update on the referendum and Energy Savings Infrastructure Plan (ESIP), with Board Administrator Robert Carfagno thanking the community for their patience and cooperation surrounding traffic and parking inconveniences. Mr. Carfagno reported that the district’s full-day kindergarten program is set to open for the 2026-27 school year, and that his focus remains on ensuring completion of the four building expansions and classrooms. Facilities committee chair William Hulse shared a slideshow of images featuring before and after photos of window and bathroom replacements at Livingston Avenue School and CHS, along with structural construction on additions at various schools.
