School District Hires Supervisor of Elementary Instruction

Lauren Odoksta has been hired by the New Milford Board of Education (BOE) to be the Supervisor of Elementary Instruction beginning July 1.

Introduced at Monday's BOE meeting, Odoksta told the audience that she began her career in Upper Saddle River as a teacher while she pursued her second masters degree in educational leadership.

Odoksta has also served as Moonachie's Director of Curriculum and Instruction. 

According to Danielle Shanley, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, the position of Supervisor of Elementary Curriculum and Instruction is necessary not only to support the principals of Gibbs and Berkley elementary schools, who are responsible for implementing and overseeing all of the state mandated programs such as the HIB (Harassment, Bullying and Intimidation) and the new core curriculum, but to also make sure that each grade in each elementary school is on the same page. 

"[Odoksta] will facilitate communication between the two elementary schools ensuring that each grade level at both schools are implementing the same research-based programs we selected as a district," Shanley said.

In seeking a person to fill this position, both internal and external candidates were interviewed. Shanley said that the interview process consisted of three rigorous rounds with a panel comprised of teachers, administrators and parents. Their recommendation was passed to Superintendent Michael Polizzi who, agreeing with the panel's decision, hired Odoksta.

Shanley said that because the position was an "academically focused" one, it was important that they hired a candidate who could "hit the ground running." A prerequisite for the job was understanding the Writer's Workshop and Everyday Math programs. 

"Lauren has a strong background in these programs, as well as a background in instructional supervision," Shanley said. "She is going to be a great asset to the district." 

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