Manchester Regional superintendent steps down, takes position in larger district
HALEDON — Gary Lubisco Jr., who served as the superintendent of Manchester Regional High School for more than three years, has resigned to take on a position in Somerset County.
Lubisco, 46, was hired to be the chief of schools for the Somerville K-12 district.
The outgoing administrator said he made the tough decision to leave Manchester Regional because it will allow him to work much closer to his family.
Lubisco, a native of Millburn, lives in the Martinsville section of Bridgewater Township — about a 10-minute commute to and from his new office.
The Board of Education passed a resolution at its most recent public meeting to accept his resignation, effective July 31.
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“Manchester holds a very special place in my heart,” Lubisco said at the meeting. “I’m forever grateful for the opportunities that I’ve had here. I’m excited to witness the continued achievement and progress of the district, and I remain committed to supporting its endeavors in any way that I can.”
Liliana Báez-Molina, the school board president, said he “definitely set the bar high,” and she thanked him for his contributions.
Lubisco is paid $187,774 per year in his current role, according to pension records. The high school serves Haledon, North Haledon and Prospect Park.
He will receive an annual salary of $215,000 in his position in Somerville, a district with three schools and an enrollment of 2,107.
Lubisco was a principal at an elementary school for the Dunellen K-12 district — where he spent the bulk of his career — when he was appointed to succeed the late Miguel Hernández as the superintendent of Manchester Regional in the fall of 2020.
In a letter to the high school community, he said the collaboration of staff, students and their parents has been a “driving force” behind recent accomplishments.
Lubisco noted, for example, the unveiling of a $1.85 million artificial turf field and stadium-style lights, as well as an ongoing renovation to the Manchester Regional auditorium.
One of his most impressive feats is less tangible.
The student population of the high school, which had been trending downward for years before his arrival, bounced back during his tenure. It is now steadily increasing.
Lubisco also helped to guide the community in creating a five-year strategic plan, with goals that included enhancing learning opportunities and improving spaces for athletics and for performing arts.
Philip DeVencentis is a local reporter for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
Email: devencentis@northjersey.com
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Manchester Regional school chief resigns, takes job in Somerville
