On June 6, Derek Piccini’s new position of assistant principal at Pascack Hills was approved by the Pascack Valley Regional High School District Board of Education. He will be working with principal Tim Wieland and the second incoming assistant principal, Christine Pollinger, starting in the 2022-23 school year.

The school typically has two assistant principals; however, after previous assistant principal Phil Paspalas retired, Charleen Schwartzman was the only one in this position. Steve Papa, the athletic director at Hills, took on Paspalas’s role as athletic director, but not as an administrator. 

“One [assistant principal] can be pretty tough,” Piccini said, “I was brought in because [the school] was looking for more administrative support.” 

He added that he will be working with Wieland and Poillinger “as a team” and “play to [their] strengths” for each situation. 

Pollinger will be taking Schwartzman’s role, who is going to Pascack Valley to teach mathematics. 

Before coming to Hills, Piccini graduated from Rowan University in 2010 with a degree in Health and Exercise Science. From there, he worked at Wallace Elementary School in Hoboken, N.J. as a health & physical education teacher and coach. 

Based on his coaching experience, Piccini was moved to Hoboken High School where he was later appointed to the position of Dean of Students, which was later renamed to vice principal. He has had six years of experience in this position. 

Piccini explained why he wanted to come to Hills, and described it as a “fantastic school.”

“I want to be more involved in the school community,” he said, “Driving to Hoboken was a longer commute, and I want to enjoy time with my kids and at school.”

He added that he hopes to take his children to school events such as sports games and school plays. 

When asked about what goals he has while transitioning into this new position, Piccini gave specifics. 

“Wherever I go, I always want to leave a place better than I found it. I want to observe and see where [the school] needs to grow and not move too fast, but develop a plan of action,” he said. 

In addition to Piccini and Pollinger starting their new positions soon, Sarah Bilotti, incoming permanent superintendent, will start in her position on July 1. The Trailblazer will be interviewing her soon, with an article about it to follow.