The Glen Rock Board of Education unanimously approved the appointment of Dr. Nicholas DeStefano as the district’s next Superintendent of Schools at its October 26, 2026 meeting. Dr. DeStefano will officially begin his tenure in Glen Rock on December 27, 2026.

During his remarks following the appointment, Dr. DeStefano shared his appreciation for the district’s strong sense of community and its deep commitment to students, faculty and staff. Throughout the search process, he said, he heard “a deep love and passion for the school district and a strong commitment to students.”

Dr. DeStefano also emphasized his commitment to ensuring students have access to meaningful opportunities that prepare them for college and careers, while supporting educators in the important and demanding work they do. He underscored the importance of ensuring that families and community members feel heard and valued.

Beginning in January, Dr. DeStefano plans to hold frequent virtual and in-person meetings with community members to learn what they value most about Glen Rock Public Schools and how they envision the district moving forward. He noted that he knows new leadership can sometimes bring uncertainty, and expressed his desire to listen and understand the community’s priorities before taking action and developing a strategic plan.

Dr. DeStefano also spoke about his goal of finding creative ways to turn the district’s aspirations into reality. “As superintendent, I’m supposed to try to make as many dreams come true as possible,” he said. “I want to get to the point where I can say yes to all the things that we want to do and find a way to be creative and make that happen within our budget, our constraints, and our philosophy.”

He expressed his excitement about working with the members of the Glen Rock community, and then addressed the Board of Education trustees directly. “To the board, my job over the term of this contract, and hopefully another one after this, is to make this look like the smartest decision that you have made since you’ve been on this board,” he said. “I will work for that each and every day to show you that the trust you placed in me has been placed there for good reason.”