Watchung Hills Board Taps Florham Park Man for AD Post

In the course of his career in education, Scott Eveland has coached football, wrestling and girls track—three of the 28 sports offered at Watchung Hills Regional High School.

But he notes, as the school's new Director of Athletics and Co-Curricular Activities, he'll be in charge of more than sports programs—so add his experience as a mock trial advisor and Model UN advisor, as well.

The expanded role puts Eveland at the center of students' experience at Watchung Hills. After his appointment at Monday's WHRHS board meeting, he said he really "loved" that the district has such a high participation rate in athletics and co-curricular activities.

"At the end of the day, it's really about student achievement," he said.

Eveland was focused on special education as a teacher and administrator, but he brings some unique experience to the $125,532 position: he was a member of the Florham Park Borough Council and served as the town's mayor for more than six years before resigning in April to focus on his position as vice-prinicipal at the Bright Star Aacademy, in Jersey City, as well as his family.

He said he has also served on the Florham Park Board of Education.

"I think you learn to see issues from a variety of perspectives," he said of his political experience, which he said taught him how to "develop consensus."

The board received more than 60 applications for the position, selecting Eveland after interviewing eight candidates.

Board President Rob Horowitz stressed the school's philosophy that all of the activities and athletic programs at the school are deemed vital to the students' experience and education.

"The emphasis, the philosophy, at our school is that they are all important," he said.

Eveland agreed with the position, and said he thought the school was "second-to-none with the co-curricular activities you offer."

"It's an honor and a privilege to be a part of this administration," he told board members.