New principal at Hackettstown High Board's vote unanimous. Rockaway resident who led Bergen County school to begin new job Aug. 10. Thursday, June 08, 2006 • BY LYNN OLANOFF • The Express-Times HACKETTSTOWN | A high school principal in Bergen County, N.J., is moving to Hackettstown High School. Brian Purzak, Wood-Ridge High School's principal, will become Hackettstown High School's principal Aug. 10, the board of education decided unanimously Wednesday. Purzak will earn $122,000. He will replace Chris Steffner, who, after five years as the high school principal, is leaving the district to become principal of Colts Neck High School in Monmouth County. Prior to Purzak's year at Wood-Ridge, he had worked for five years as a vice principal at Jefferson High School in Morris County -- a factor in his appointment, board President Bruce Smith said. "I think one of the things that helped Dr. Purzak is he worked for a couple years in Jefferson, which is culturally very similar to Hackettstown," Smith said. The search committee also was unanimous in its selection of Purzak, though there was another outstanding candidate, Smith said. Superintendent Robert Gratz said Purzak felt like a "good fit" for the district. "He has an infectious energy and enthusiasm -- and he has a solid foundation," Gratz said. Purzak, 46, of Rockaway, N.J., said he chose to leave Wood-Ridge High School after only a year because Hackettstown High School is closer to his home. "There's a few schools in this area I've always kind of looked at and was waiting to make a move to and Hackettstown was one of them," he said. "I've actually never felt so excited for a new job." Purzak said he has some ideas for the high school, but will wait to disclose them until he talks to staff, students and parents. "I am a collaborative leader and I think it's important we involve everybody," he said. Purzak has a doctorate in education leadership, management and policy from Seton Hall University. He also has two master's degrees: in administration and supervision from Montclair State University and in special education from the College of Staten Island. He obtained his bachelor's degree from the State University of New York at Oneonta. Reporter Lynn Olanoff can be reached at 908-475-8044 or by e-mail at lolanoff@express-times.com. © 2006 The Express-Times. Used with permission.