Schools
Stromsland's 'Vision, Energy and Can-Do Spirit' Moved School Forward
Officials pay tribute to Frances Stromsland, who leaves her post as superintendent of Watchung Hills Friday.
An impressive assemblage of local and regional educators, Watchung Hills Regional High School teachers and retirees, alumni, local officials and parents gathered on the evening of June 11 at the Primavera Regency, in Stirling, to express their thanks and appreciation to Frances Stromsland, retiring superintendent of Watchung Hills Regional High School.
The top administrator of the school has been a witness to and a chief player in Watchung Hills’ history since August 2001. At that time, the board of education named her assistant superintendent, next in command to then-Superintendent Robert Baly.
Her responsibilities were three-fold, also including the titles “Director of Curriculum and Instruction” and “Director of Special Services.” In the former role, she was instrumental in drawing up the numerous reports and documents mandated by state and federal agencies; developing and devising programs which would enrich and educate the teaching staff by providing growth opportunities such as staff development days, during- and after–school programs to provide various levels of professional growth for all faculty and staff.
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“Director of Special Services” was the third major portion of Stromsland’s portfolio. It had been the custom to send many of Hills’ special needs students out of the district for their education. Dr. Stromsland’s goal was to build up the educational opportunities and support of “special” students right on the Hills campus. Eventually, the Special Services department would become so effective that students with special needs would not only be able to stay on the Watchung Hills campus, but Hills itself would become the educational center for many out-of-district students. Hills’ special services program would become a model, a beacon, for other school systems to follow.
The population surge which had long been projected for the Hills area, had by this time begun to materialize, and the high school was already preparing to meet its growing needs; a building program had already been initiated to handle the projected student increase. The building expansion which ensued effectively doubled the space, adding much-needed classrooms, gymnasia, and, above all, a spacious performing arts center.
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The addition’s grand opening celebration, which was held on Nov. 4, 2006 (featuring a performance by a segment of the New Jersey Symphony), celebrated the end of construction and showcased the new theatre and the enlarged facilities. Dr. Stromsland happily “cut the ribbon” which both highlighted the new facility and symbolized the end of a trouble-fraught, $45 million building project.
Stromsland’s retirement event provided the opportunity to once more review and commend the highlights of her tenure at Hills—which was done by the various speakers who wished to express their gratitude and appreciation to Dr. Stromsland as she brought her professional career to a close.
Mayor Steve Pote, of Watchung Borough, and Mayor Victor Sordillo, of Warren Township, presented resolutions and Certificates of Recognition on behalf of their municipalities.
Sondra Fechtner, long-time member of the WHRHS school board, also read a resolution of appreciation on behalf of that body, as did Dr. Marilyn Birnbaum, representing the Somerset County Superintendents Association.
On the more informal side were reminiscences and comments by Dr. Stromsland’s son, Kenneth, former Watchung Hills administrators Tom DiGanci and Beverly DiGeronimo, Principal George Alexis, and “master of ceremonies,” Vice Principal Terry MacConnell.
A crystal bowl was presented to Stromsland as a gift from those present.
“Final Remarks” by Stromsland herself concluded the event, words of appreciation and thanks to the sending community for their support and encouragement.
Throughout Stromsland’s tenure, “the Power of One” has been a watchword at Watchung Hills. The slogan also uncannily captures the essence of the superintendent herself. Her vision, energy and can-do spirit have moved the school to a position of prominence among its peers. She leaves with the thanks of the community and the thousands of graduates who have passed through Hills’ portals since the ominous days of September 2001.
