Hardyston Elementary School rated No. 2 in county

Hardyston Elementary School placed second in the Sussex County school ratings for the 2021-22 school year.

Principal Jennifer Cimaglia said the ranking was based on state test scores and other factors.

Hardyston Elementary School’s rank increased 42.25 points, which made it the second-best school in the county.

Chief School Administrator Mike Ryder explained Hardyston is tied with the biggest increase in the county.

Sparta High School was the highest-ranked high school in Sussex County, according to an NJ Advance Media analysis of new school data reported by the state Department of Education.

“We grew to reach that position under the guidance of Mike Ryder,” who joined the district as chief school administrator in July 2016, Cimaglia said.

He was chosen as the Sussex County Superintendent of the Year by the county Superintendents Roundtable Association. The group is composed of superintendents from the 28 Sussex County school districts.

Three superintendents were nominated this year for the award this year.

Ryder attributed the award to a group effort. “We are celebrating because this means we are putting instruction, assessments, interventions, climate, culture ... and overall great things in place for our children.”

The school’s success is the result of everyone working hard, soliciting feedback on how to improve, consistent collaboration with staff and students, and parents’ input and suggestions, he said.

Cimaglia said, “Mike is an absolutely amazing visionary leader. He makes decisions based on what is good for kids - always. He is well-respected by the Board of Education, his staff, parents, students and his peers.”

Ryder said, “Hardyston Middle School ... you are next. I’m looking forward to continued improvement always.”