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Moorestown board approves Dr. Courtney McNeely as superintendent on 5-year contract
Summary
The Moorestown Township Public School District board voted 6-3 to approve a five-year contract for Dr. Courtney McNeely as the district's next superintendent; debate centered on whether to promote internally and on her experience with referenda.
The Moorestown Township Public School District Board of Education voted 6-3 to approve a five-year contract appointing Dr. Courtney McNeely as the district's next superintendent.
Board members praised McNeely's experience and community engagement during debate, while several members said they opposed the motion because they preferred promoting an internal candidate familiar with district specifics and the upcoming referendum. "I will not be voting yes on the motion," one board member said, adding that they would nonetheless support a successful transition.
The resolution to approve Dr. McNeely's contract was moved by a board member and carried in a roll-call vote: Arquera Burns ' No; Barnes ' No; Fowles Macaluso ' Yes; Dr. Maya ' Yes; Miller ' Yes; Moreno ' Yes; Weeks ' No; Macopolis/Populos ' Yes; Villanueva ' Yes. The president confirmed the initial contract term is five years.
Supporters cited McNeely's record of advancing curriculum and experience leading a referendum process, and several speakers noted her visibility in neighboring communities and background as a classroom teacher through district leadership. "She brings the head and the heart to lead our district," one board member said during remarks.
Opponents of the motion emphasized the value of promoting from within and argued that internal candidates would bring existing relationships that could aid continuity, particularly with a major referendum on the horizon.
After the vote, Dr. McNeely thanked the board and community, saying she was "so looking forward to working with all of you" and that she considered the appointment "a big honor." The board president said he anticipated a meet-and-greet before her official start date and urged the board and community to support a smooth transition.
The board moved on to other agenda items following the vote and acknowledged a number of consent approvals and donations.
Outcome and next steps: The contract passed by roll call; Dr. McNeely will assume duties per the contract timeline and the board indicated transitional meetings and community engagement opportunities will be scheduled.
