The Alternative Press

WEST ORANGE, NJ -  Board of Education President Laura Lab announced tonight that Superintendent Anthony Cavanna has resigned, effective 12/31/12.   Lab explained that news of the resignation could not be posted online on the preliminary agenda because it was not effective until the board voted on it, which was done during the meeting.

Lab then read the following statement:

RESOLUTIONS

1.  The Board hereby accepts the irrevocable resignation of Dr. Anthony Cavanna, effective at the close of business, December 31, 2012.

2.  The Board hereby ratifies the Separation Agreement between Dr. Anthony Cavanna and the Board, as approved by the Commissioner of Education on October 19, 2012, and authorizes the Board President or her designee to take all actions necessary to effectuate the terms of the Agreement.

3.  The Board hereby rescinds its earlier leave of absence for Dr. Cavanna, and hereby places Dr. Cavanna on a voluntary leave of absence, effective from October 1, 2012, to December 31, 2012, at which time Dr. Cavanna's resignation shall be effective.

JOINT STATEMENT AS AGREED UPON  BETWEEN THE BOARD AND DR. CAVANNA

"On October 22, 2012, the West Orange Board of Education voted to accept the resignation of Superintendent of Schools Dr. Anthony P. Cavanna, effective December 31, 2012.

Dr. Cavanna was appointed as Superintendent of the West Orange School District on July 1, 2009.

During Dr. Cavanna's tenure, the District's accomplishments included the receipt of over $4,000,000.00 in Federal grants.  As a result, the District was able to maintain programming in the face of significant reductions in State aid.

Dr. Cavanna sincerely appreciates having had the opportunity to work with the staff, parents, an community members in West Orange, but he especially appreciates being given the opportunity to contribute to the education of the students the District serves."

Lab went on to explain the district will realize a savings of $15,000.00. Cavanna's base salary was about $232,000, with an additional $40,000 in benefits, pension, fees, dues, etc).  232 divided by 12; multiplied by 6, comes to $115,000.  Mr. O'Neill's interim salary is $144,062.  Combining those figures gives a total of $259,000.  Cavanna would have been paid about $275,000.  The difference represents the savings.  

No further information was provided at the meeting.