Chatham Board of Education honors Superintendent Mike D'Aquila's 13 years of leadership

The Chatham Board of Education held a significant meeting on June 9, 2025, marking the final gathering for Superintendent Mike D'Aquila before he transitions to a new role in Princeton. The meeting commenced with a reminder of the New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act, ensuring public access to the proceedings.

Board members were present and accounted for, and the meeting proceeded with the Pledge of Allegiance. Miss Weber took the opportunity to reflect on D'Aquila's impactful tenure, which began in September 2001. She highlighted his journey from a Spanish teacher to principal, assistant superintendent, and ultimately superintendent since 2012.

Throughout his leadership, D'Aquila has been recognized for his innovative approaches to education, including the elimination of midterms in favor of project-based assessments and the expansion of the curriculum to include diverse subjects such as African American history and American Sign Language. His commitment to enhancing student experiences was evident in the establishment of programs like TEDx and the development of two Holocaust and genocide studies libraries.

D'Aquila's leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic was particularly noted, as he prioritized the health and safety of students while advocating for their return to in-person learning. His efforts extended beyond local concerns, as he actively engaged with state-level education issues, particularly the ongoing teacher shortage.

The meeting also acknowledged the various construction projects completed under his guidance, which improved facilities across the district, including enhanced security measures and upgraded athletic fields. Miss Weber emphasized that D'Aquila's leadership style, characterized by compassion and integrity, fostered a thriving educational community in Chatham.

As the meeting concluded, the board expressed gratitude for D'Aquila's contributions, recognizing that his influence will resonate within the district for years to come. The transition marks the end of an era, with the board looking forward to the future while reflecting on the significant advancements made during D'Aquila's tenure.