New Special Services Director Hired by Schools

The School District of the Chathams has hired Vincent D'Elia, a former director of special services in both Randolph and Somerset Hills, to replace retiring Director of Special Services Harold Tarriff.

D'Elia's first day will be Sept. 1. Tarriff will remain on the job through Nov. 1.

Superintendent Jim O'Neill said the district felt it wanted to start D'Elia early so he could work with Tarriff and slowly become accustomed to the job.

Specifically, O'Neill said, he wants there to be enough overlap time for D'Elia to become familiar classified students, get to know the staff, be brought up to date on any potential litigation, review the budget, learn the district's system and ask questions.

"We believe this time will save us money in the future," O'Neill said.

D'Elia had been the special services director at both the Randolph Township School District and the Somerset Hills School District.

"He comes to us with outstanding recommendations," said O'Neill. "I am positive he will do extremely well in Chatham."

Tarriff has been in his current job for nine years. Before that, he had been working at the Chatham Township School District before it merged with the borough district.