Gino Priolo named assistant superintendent
During its meeting on Thursday, May 28, 2020, the Board of Education named Dr. Gino Priolo as Assistant Superintendent for the Haddonfield School District. He will assume the role on July 1, 2020.
The text below is from the statement released by the Board following its vote to approve Gino Priolo’s appoinement.
Priolo brings 25 years of educational experience to this position. Originally a special education teacher and then principal in the Cherry Hill School District, he first came to Haddonfield as principal of Tatem Elementary School in August 2005. In August of 2011, Priolo became the principal of Haddonfield Middle School, and in 2014 he became the Director of Special Education for the district.
“Over the past decade, I have worked with Dr. Priolo as a fellow administrator and have grown to admire his professionalism, thoughtfulness, and collaborative nature,” said Charles Klaus, incoming Superintendent of Schools. “He is a student-centered and experienced leader who understands the importance of visiting issues from the perspective of all stakeholders. He is not afraid to ask hard questions and is always willing to provide answers to those same questions.”
Priolo earned his bachelor’s degree from Rowan University (Teacher of the Handicapped) and his master’s from Temple University (Master of Education/Educational Administration). In 2010, he earned his Ed.D. in Educational Administration, also from Temple University.
During 16 years as an administrator in Haddonfield, Priolo has accomplished a great deal. Among many other achievements, he developed district-wide Response to Intervention (RTI) protocol, designed and implemented character-focused Community Meetings, created and implemented a district-wide formative assessment writing plan for students in grades K-5, created the area’s first course on ethical use of technology entitled Digital Citizenship, and earned (middle school) designation as a No Place for Hate School by the Anti-Defamation League. In 2014, Priolo was selected as a delegate to represent N.J. at the National Race to the Top summit in Washington, D.C., and also served on an advisory committee for the NJDOE AchieveNJ.
As Director of Special Education, Priolo developed and implemented K-12 intervention for reading and dyslexia support in both general and special education classes and implemented the initiative that resulted in 14 district teachers earning Wilson Level I Certification/Dyslexia
Specialists designation. He served as the district chairperson for the Strategic Plan for SocialEmotional Learning, leading the implemented of Yale’s RULER program, and he created Community-Based Instruction programming at elementary, middle, and high school levels.
Overseeing special education in a district known for its high rate of inclusivity (over 91% of students with special needs spend 80% or more of the school day in general education), Priolo was the 2019 recipient of the N.J. Coalition for Inclusive Schools Honors Award.
“Dr. Priolo has seen the district from many angles and has an excellent working relationship with the administrative team and staff,” said Adam Sangillo, Board president. “The Board is pleased with this choice, and we look forward to supporting our new administrative leadership team as we continue to strive for excellence in nurturing, inspiring and empowering every learner.”
Priolo resides in Hainesport, N.J. with his wife of 20 years, Dawn, and his four children, who range in ages from 17 to 5. In his spare time, he enjoys exercising, coaching youth sports and is an avid music lover.