Goncalves is the New Schools Superintendent

Bloomfield Middle School Principal Salvatore Goncalves is the new Superintendent of Bloomfield Schools following a split School Board vote on Wednesday night.

The Board held a special meeting to select between the two remaining candidates for the position, Goncalves and Montclair High School Principal James Earle, for Wednesday night.

After an executive session meant to choose between the candidates started at 4:30 p.m., the board voted in favor of Goncalves seven to three, with Board President Board President Emily M. Smith and board members Kent Weisert and Dr. Paula Zaccone voting no on Goncalves.

Goncalves, a Bloomfield school district employee for 35 years, was appointed as acting Superintendent. His appointment as permanent superintendent needs to be formally approved by the Essex County Superintendent.

As he had in public forums about the job, Goncalves stressed his familiarity with the district and his ability to unite the Bloomfield schools community.

“We’re a team,” Goncalves said shortly after taking his chair as Superintendent. “We’ve been talking about this a long time. We’ve been talking about a superintendent that can move us forward.”

The board members who voted against Goncalves’ appointment said they were ready to support and work with him nonetheless. Goncalves struck a conciliatory note, saying he would be willing to work past differences as Superintendent. 

“We’re going to show our differences and at the end of the day we’re going to come to a consensus in the interest of the children,” Goncalves said.

Goncalves will receive a $157,670 salary as Superintendent.

Following Goncalves’ appointment, interim Superintendent Nicholas Dotoli resumed his position of Director of Human Resources/Labor Relations, which he held until he became head of the district after the abrupt resignation of Superintendent Jason Bing in May.