Former Scotch Plains Teacher Named New Vice Principal in Hillsborough

Michael Picciottoli, who was named the 2011 Middle Level Educator of the Year by the New Jersey Middle School Association, was appointed on Monday evening by the Board of Education to be the new vice principal at .

Picciottoli, who will be in a 10-month position, replaces Christine Smith, now a 12-month vice principal at the school. Smith replaced Steve Kerrigan who was named principal at Woodfern School in July.

Picciottoli, who attended Monday’s school board meeting with his family and parents, will earn an annual salary of $85,200.

Scott Rocco, assistant superintendent for personnel, said Picciottoli was selected from a field of about 150 applicants.

That pool was narrowed to a group of 14 who were given 45-minute interviews by Principal Chris Carey and other administrators.  

That group was furthered narrowed to six candidates who were interviewed by stakeholders, Rocco explained. Out of that group came three finalists and Picciottoli was chosen.

“It was clear there was one outstanding candidate,” Rocco said.

Picciottoli has two master's degrees in education, one from College of St. Elizabeth and one from Ramapo College where he also received his bachelor's degree in history.

Picciottoli comes to Hillsborough from the Scotch Plains-Fanwood School District where he taught social studies at Terrill Middle School. He had been employed in the school district since 2003 and had been involved in a variety of leadership positions, Rocco said.

“He’s a real sharp guy,” Carey said, adding that Picciottoli’s knowledge and experience with technology will be an asset to Auten Road.