New assistant principal is selected for Cranford High School

The Cranford Board of Education has announced Thomas Manzo as the new assistant principal of Cranford High School. Manzo was selected after an extensive search process which included multiple interviews with the selection committee; reviews of work samples; and a very thorough reference check. Manzo graduated early from Rowan University and earned his bachelor’s degree in history and education with magna cum laude honors and earned a master’s degree in educational leadership at Montclair State University with summa cum laude honors.

After graduating, he found part time positions at West

Essex and Glen Rock High School, which led him to his long-term positions at Lodi High School, where he’s been for the last nine years. There, he began his career as a history teacher and served in numerous roles, including the I&RS/504 case manager, student council advisor and the head spring and winter track and field coach.

In 2018, Manzo became the Lodi High School department supervisor of social studies and Spanish and, subsequently, also supervised the business department. Through collaborative efforts, he strived to offer additional opportunities for the educational community, including offering more Advanced Placement courses, coordinating with the County College to offer dual enrollment courses and updating the school curriculum to promote diversity, equity and inclusion.

Manzo lives in East Hanover with his wife, Katherine, and their 15-month-old daughter, Claire. They’re also expecting their second daughter this summer. Manzo said he is very excited and honored to join the Cranford team and looks forward to partnering with faculty, students, parents/guardians, and community members to determine how he can best serve the community.