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Saddle River NJ, the Saddle River School District has announced Jennifer Macones as its next superintendent of schools, set to take office on July 1, 2025. Macones, currently the principal of Birchwood Elementary School in Dover and a coordinator for the Rockaway Township School District, will lead the 115-student preschool-to-grade-five district into its next chapter.
Board of Education Welcomes New Leadership
The appointment was formally approved at the Board of Education meeting on Tuesday night, where Board President Emily Kaufman expressed confidence in Macones’ ability to foster a thriving school culture.
“With over two decades of experience in education, Dr. Macones is a passionate and innovative leader dedicated to fostering a thriving school culture where students, educators, and staff feel valued, supported, and inspired,” Kaufman said.
Macones will succeed Dr. Gina Cinotti, who retired in August 2024. Since then, Richard Freedman has served as the district’s interim superintendent.
Macones’ Background and Experience
A Passaic Valley High School graduate, Macones holds:
✔ Bachelor’s degree in Communications – William Paterson University
✔ Master’s & Doctorate in Educational Leadership – Centenary University
Her career in education includes:
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Principal of Liberty Township Elementary School (2015–2018)
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Teacher at Valley Road School in Stanhope (2007–2015)
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Teacher at Memorial Park Middle School in Woodland Park (2002–2007)
Future of Saddle River’s Education System
Macones steps into the role as the district continues to navigate its middle school education agreements. In November, the Board signed a $4.5 million, five-year deal to continue sending sixth through eighth-grade students to Ramsey’s Eric S. Smith Middle School. Additionally, the district sends high school students to either Northern Highlands Regional High School in Allendale or Ramsey High School, with the majority (90%) attending Northern Highlands.
However, the district has been evaluating long-term education options. A $78,000 study conducted in April 2024 by Porzio, Bromberg & Newman indicated that it was financially feasible for Saddle River to educate middle school students in-district, rather than continue its agreement with Ramsey.
The study did not, however, account for the fact that Saddle River’s former middle school building was torn down in 1998 after being deemed unsafe. This leaves the district debating whether it can replicate Ramsey’s educational, sports, and extracurricular offerings in-house—and at what cost.
Some parents have suggested transitioning students to Upper Saddle River, Allendale, or Ho-Ho-Kus, as these districts already send their high school students to Northern Highlands Regional High School. However, none of those districts participated in the study, leaving the Saddle River Board of Education to determine the best path forward.
What’s Next for Saddle River Schools?
With Jennifer Macones taking the helm, the district will be looking for innovative leadership and strategic planning to shape the future of Saddle River’s educational landscape.
💬 What do you think about Saddle River’s educational direction? Should the district continue sending students to Ramsey or explore in-house alternatives? Share your thoughts below!
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I want to be her personal valet !