After nearly thirty years working in the Cherry Hill Public Schools district, Dr. John Cafagna is preparing for his new role as principal of Cherry Hill High School East.
Cafagna began his career in education teaching at a Catholic school before becoming an educational technologist in the district in 1998. A year later, he was hired as a technology teacher at Rosa International Middle School and was promoted to Assistant Principal in 2003. Since then, he has served as principal of the Alternative High School, Carusi Middle School, Bret Harte Elementary School and Horace Mann Elementary School.
“Every single community I went to, I’ve loved,” said Cafagna. “I do like working with older students more, only because I like the opportunity to [incorporate] student voice.”
Despite his extensive experience, Cafagna never needed to formally interview for a position in over twenty years until applying to be the principal of East. His previous roles were a result of recommendations by the superintendent. Cafagna described his decision to apply for the principal position as a natural extension of his career and a longtime aspiration.
He acknowledged the potential concerns regarding his transition from working with elementary- and middle-school students to leading a high school, and explained that his role as principal shifts as students grow. At East, Cafagna hopes to listen to student voices and let things play out rather than micromanage each situation.
“At the younger levels, it’s more about driving kids to where they need to get to. And now, it’s giving kids the keys,” said Cafagna.
For example, Cafagna spoke about creating a monthly roundtable meeting, where randomly chosen students, representatives from the Student Government Association and Eastside could provide input on issues affecting student life. Being visible to staff and students, and making sure they feel heard, is also a priority to Cafagna. During his time as principal of the Alternative High School, he worked with students to implement plans that expanded access to more classes. He hopes to involve students in a similar way at East. Already, Cafagna has received numerous ideas based on concerns from staff and students. These range from exploring more inclusive opportunities such as buddy programs to navigating the new state-mandated cell phone policy.
“We’re going to make sure whenever we can [to] get input from students, because people that listen and follow rules will usually follow rules. People that don’t, will not, no matter what. So, we need to find a happy medium,” said Cafagna.
In his approach, Cafagna sees himself as someone who builds relationships, a mindset especially shaped after needing to balance school and state interests during the COVID-19 pandemic. While he describes it as the biggest challenge he’s had to face in his career, the experience taught him the importance of setting aside different beliefs to reach common goals. As principal, Cafagna hopes to continue fostering clear communication among staff, students and the community.
“For example, if I was called into a classroom for an issue, I like to put a lot of things back in the hands of the teacher. Because [if] the principal just handles everything, that takes away power from having a relationship and conversation in a classroom,” said Cafagna. “I believe in finding pathways to move forward together, even if we don’t find each other best friends.”
Given East’s recent administrative turnover, Cafagna said he hopes to build on the trust he’s earned from a career in the district while ensuring he stays approachable.
“Everywhere I go, I feel like I’ve left a stable system in place that anybody can come in and go and put their lens on, and make it even better,” said Cafagna.
In a role as demanding as a high school principal, Cafagna emphasized the importance of having opportunities for himself to debrief and maintain a work-life balance. He spoke about how he enjoys surfing, biking, boating and fishing in Ocean City, where he lives.
“When I’m here at school, I’m focused all day [on] Cherry Hill East. But then when I get home, I can focus on family, and that’s important, to have differentiated pieces,” said Cafagna.
Finally, Cafagna shared what he wanted the East community to know most: “I’m very excited about this. This was a process to get to this position, and the interview process was long. I’m just so excited that I was the final choice, and I promise I’m going to give you guys my all.”
