Edgemont Names Dr. Victoria Kniewel Superintendent of Schools

Victoria Spirko Kniewel has been named to succeed Nancy Taddiken as the Superintendent of Edgemont Schools. Board of Education President Tom McCormack announced Kniewel's appointment in an email to the community on April 3, 2013.

Kniewel will be officially appointed to the job, effective July 1, 2013, at a special meeting of the Edgemont Board of Education at 7 pm on Monday, April 8, in the Edgemont Junior/Senior High School auditorium. Following a brief meeting, the community will have the opportunity to meet Dr. Kniewel and enjoy refreshments in the school's cafeteria.

McCormack outlined the search process that led to the identification of Dr. Kniewel. The Board solicited community input through a series of focus groups and surveys, and conducted an exhaustive nationwide search with the aid of a specialized school recruitment firm. According to McCormak, they were very pleased with the quality of the applicant pool. Dr. Kniewel particularly impressed the Board with her background as a respected superintendent, her proven educational expertise, and her collegial style and they are excited about welcoming her to Edgemont. She has earned the respect of her current school community as a collaborative decision maker who has exceptional talent in curriculum and learning while remaining aware of fiscal concerns. She is also known for her leadership and her ability to cultivate and develop staff.

Dr. Kniewel is currently the superintendent of the West Windsor-Plainsboro (WW-P) Regional School District, one of New Jersey's highest performing districts. She joined WW-P as assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction in 2004 and became superintendent in 2007.

Prior to WW-P, Dr. Kniewel served as an assistant superintendent in North Salem (NY) Central School District in Westchester County. She also served as a principal in the Ridgewood (NJ) Public School District and as an assistant superintendent in the Ho‑Ho‑Kus (NJ) School District. Before moving to administration, she enjoyed 17 years as a teacher.

Dr. Kniewel holds two degrees from Fordham University, an EdD in executive leadership as well as an MA in administration, policy, and urban education. She also earned an MS in learning disabilities from Montclair State University and a BA in special education/elementary education from William Paterson University.

Dr. Kniewel's current district shares with Edgemont a commitment to the core values of academic excellence and the education of the whole child. Recognized locally and nationally as a top district, WW-P schools have thrived under Dr. Kniewel's leadership.