BOE 'Confident' in Newly Appointed CMS Principal

The approved as the new principal of Chatham Middle School Monday by a vote of 8-0, with Board Member John Nonnenmacher the only absent member.

Assistant Superintendent Michael LaSusa said Gihorski was chosen from "about 70 candidates" for the role. The selection process included interviews with LaSusa and Personnel Director Deb Becker; an interview by a committee from which included one student, two teachers, two supervisors, the outgoing and incoming PTO presidents of the middle school and two district principals, including Principal Darren Groh; and an interview by the Personnel Committee.

Before the vote, several members of the school board, including Jill Weber and Kim Cronin, said they would miss seeing Gihorski at the high school's Back to School Night. "I may withhold my vote just because I want you at the high school," Weber joked.

Board Member Richard Connors told Gihorski, "You have big shoes to fill ... and I think I speak on behalf of the Personnel Committee when I say we are confident you will do so."

Gihorski earned her bachelor's degree in Hispanic Studies at Brown University and her master's degree at Teacher's College at Columbia University. She has served as the district's World Languages supervisor for the past five years. Her new role begins Jan. 1, 2013, after .

After she was approved, Gihorski told Chatham Patch that when the 2013 event comes around next year, she will take her turn in the dunk tank just as her predecessor did this year.

Students, start practicing.