Michael Salvatore is Already Leaving His Mark

Superintendent Michael Salvatore has been at the helm for a short time, but he has quickly made students and parents realize that he was the right choice.

, who held the position since 1994, Salvatore had large shoes to fill. Fortunately, he has filled them admirably with several new programs and initiatives for the district.

"I've been working with a great team of educators," Salvatore said.

A group of educators whose roles have grown under Salvatore's watch.

Every teacher has their own web site that can be accessed from the school's home page, which was also updated this year at Salvatore's request.

Salvatore said increasing communication between parents, educators and students is one of his most important goals.

"We have to continue to work on bridging the communication gap," Salvatore said.

Whether that means hosting more , visiting local groups and organizations or improving communication between the school district and the Long Branch Council; Salvatore's goal is quickly being accomplished.

Salvatore has also placed an emphasis on technology.

"It started with technology for teachers to allow them to be more mobile and accomplish their jobs," Salvatore said.

From laptops to SMART Boards, district teachers have a wealth of technology at their disposal.

Salvatore recently introduced a with Samsung Galaxy Tabs, a computer tablet that is portable and can be used for a variety of functions including Internet access.

"It's a great tool for kids, and by the end of February, half the student population will have them," Salvatore said. "They are a geat learning tool that will help motivate the students to learn."

Salvatore said his main mission is to live up to the school's slogan of "Where Children Matter Most."

"The precedent is for the children and we want people to understand that," Salvatore.

So far, so good for the district superintendent who started as a substitute teacher and climbed the ladder to the lead role in Long Branch.