*Advisor’s Note – Reprinted from the June 2017 printed edition of newspaper

With the following words, the landscape of Cinnaminson schools was drastically changed on December 20, 2016 when Dr. Salvatore Illuzzi had Cinnaminson School Board President, Jean Cohen, read the following – “Ecclesiastes reminds us that ‘to everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose.’

For this particular purpose there was a season to arrive, many seasons to stay, and now a season to depart. Please consider this letter to be a formal notice to the (Cinnaminson School) Board that I will not seek renewal of my contract to serve as school district superintendent beyond completion of the current agreement, June 30, 2017.”

Dr. Illuzzi has been the Superintendent for the Cinnaminson school district for over 18 years. Prior to
that, he was the Superintendent of School at Chichester High School in Pennsylvania since 1991 and at Stroudsburg (PA) Area School District since 1984. Although different places, Dr. Illuzzi left his mark at
each and pushed for change and improvement in each district, leaving each better than when he arrived.

Originally, he submitted his letter of resignation for Cinnaminson three years ago, thinking it was time to leave at age 67, but with a major misgiving.

“In my letter I wrote that my only regret is that I didn’t get to do the High School,” Dr. Illuzzi said, referencing the project to renovate the high school that had been discussed and debated since 2010.

When the Board of Education was able to pass the referendum to complete the renovations for the entire district in September 2014, Dr. Illuzzi was asked to stay through the completion of the referendum project. When the Board formally accepted the renovation as complete this past fall, Dr. Illuzzi announced his resignation. While it was not a shock to most, after 18 years, it was something that was not easily accepted by some, especially considering all that Dr. Illuzzi has done for some in their careers.

ELA teacher, Carlo Iacono was hired by Dr. Illuzzi two different times, once in Chichester, an then in Cinnaminson. Mr. Iacono is thankful for his opportunity from Dr. Illuzzi but says that Illuzzi should be revered for how he treats and approaches every person.

“While Dr. Illuzzi is responsible for giving me all the opportunities in my career, he is also instrumental in all the lives that he has touched. What is constant throughout the years is that he treats all stakeholders – students, parents, teachers, board of education – as integral parts of a successful school district. He truly respects all parties.”

CHS Principal Mrs. Llewellyn give great perspective to graduating seniors when she discusse Dr. Illuzzi and his approach to Cinnaminson.

“Dr. Illuzzi has been a true father-figure of the school district. He has provided years of stability to the students and staff. Our graduating seniors were just babies when Dr. Illuzzi began his tenure in the Cinnaminson School District. He leads by example, always showing understanding and compassion to the students, parents, staff and community in any given situation. We all have been so fortunate to have Dr. Illuzzi navigating the ship for so many years,” Mrs. Llewellyn finished.

In looking back at the $35 million dollar completed construction project , where renovations included a connected second fl oor, new science wing and classroom and an elevator, reconstructed
auditorium and a brand new gymnasium, along with other improvements to the outward and inward appearance of the building as well as minor projects for both elementary schools and Cinnaminson Middle School, Dr. Illuzzi was asked if there was anything that he did not accomplish for the district.

“Things that I set out to do when I came here, 18 and a half years ago I think pretty much have been done. I’d be hard pressed to think of what else or what now,” Dr. Illuzzi finished.

In May, after an exhaustive search from a search committee, current Director of Curriculum, Steve Cappello was named as the next Superintendent of School for Cinnaminson. Dr. Illuzzi personally feels comfortable with Steve Cappello coming in as the new Superintendent.

“(Mr. Cappello) knows the district, he’s right here next door to my office, he knows the faculty, he knows the program and will do very well as the next Superintendent.”

*Advisor’s Note – story originally run in June 2017 printed edition of newspaper.  PDF version can be found here – http://chs.cinnaminson.entest.org/ourpages/users/kindc/Final%20Copy%20-%20June%202017%20Issue.pdf