On January 1, 2026, Cranford High School’s principal of nine years—Mark Cantagallo—officially became the newest Superintendent of Cranford Public Schools! Cantagallo was selected by the Cranford Board of Education on September 8, 2025, to succeed Dr. Scott Rubin, who served as superintendent for nearly eight years. 

Cranford Board of Education President Kurt Petschow is looking forward to working closely with CHS’s former principal, claiming that “Mr. Cantagallo brings the vision and leadership our district needs to continue advancing academic excellence and supporting every student’s success.” 

Mr. Cantagallo is as qualified as educators come. Earning a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Kean University, Cantagallo went on to work at nearly every level of education. He taught at Maxson Middle School and Rahway High School before becoming Vice Principal at Rahway and later the Assistant Principal of Governor Livingston High School. Mr. Cantagallo is clearly prepared to assume the role of superintendent. “It gives me tremendous comfort to know that the district will be in such capable and compassionate hands,” said Dr. Rubin. 

During his time at CHS, Mr Cantagallo proved to be a receptive leader for students. He frequently attended Student Council meetings and hosted monthly Administrative Student Advisory Committee meetings in the library. His care and concern for student opinions will be missed, and the student body made sure to show its appreciation leading up to and on Mr. Cantagallo’s last day as principal. Throughout his final week, the Student Council hosted a spirit week with daily themes dedicated to Mr. Cantagallo: students dressed in superhero merchandise and sports jerseys to support their principal’s Marvel and NFL obsessions! Finally, at CHS’s spirit rally on the last day before winter break, Mr. Cantagallo was presented with a custom t-shirt branded with his famous tagline, “All Is Well at CHS.” Although CHS will miss its principal’s presence in the hallways, the student body is excited to have Mr. Cantagallo in Cranford’s central office. 

Stepping into the role of principal is Dr. Gina Donlevie, a highly educated and experienced professional who last served as Principal of West Essex Middle School. Dr. Donlevie is already asserting herself as a compassionate and interested leader, meeting with Student Council leaders on her first day, January 5. 

Clearly, all is well at CHS.