Montgomery High School Has Two New Vice Principals

By Barbara A. Preston | Posted July 13, 2023

When Montgomery High School students return to class in September, they will be greeted by two new vice principals.

The Montgomery Township School Board approved the hiring of Vincent P. Cuccaro and John Vitale on June 27.

From left: MHS Vice Principal Vincent Cuccaro, Principal Heather Pino-Beattie, and MHS Vice Principal John Vitale.

The two new vice principals come to Montgomery High School by way of Hillsborough. They join a third vice principal, John (J.P.) McAvaddy, also from Hillsborough, who started at Montgomery High School in July 2021.

MHS vice principal Raquel Rivera recently moved to the Upper Middle School to become principal there, and former vice principal Scott Pachuta moved to the Lower Middle School to become assistant principal there.

MHS Principal Heather Pino-Beattie introduced the new VPs at the recent school board meeting.

About Vice Principal Vincent P. Cuccaro

Principal Pino-Beattie describes Cuccaro as a “magnet, especially for those kids who often feel as though they are not seen or heard.” He finds opportunities to help these students to strengthen their voice.

Cuccaro graduated from Hunterdon Central High School in 2001 and in 2005 from West Chester University with a bachelor’s degree in English. He worked in a corporate capacity for eight years as an account representative for A.M. Best Company, a credit rating agency that focuses on the insurance industry, headquartered in Tewksbury Township.

Cuccaro came to be an educator through a slightly different route, she said. He recognized he wanted to have more of a meaningful impact. So he went back to school and earned teacher certification from Rider University in 2014 and a master’s degree in education from Rider in 2016.

He spent the last nine years teaching English at Hillsborough High School, where he won the “teachers who make magic” award in 2017.

“The climate and culture at MHS is a family atmosphere, you can feel it as soon as you walk through the doors,” Cuccaro said. “I can’t wait to get started.”

He and his wife Linda have three children.

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About Vice Principal John Vitale

Vitale grew up in Hillsborough, and he says he “always knew how amazing Montgomery is. I wanted nothing more than to be a part of this community."

He earned a master’s degree in education from Fairleigh Dickinson University, where he also completed his undergraduate degree. While in college, Vitale taught in England and led a study-abroad program in Japan. He also holds a special education degree from Rutgers. “He recognized he was reaching some kids, but wanted to make sure he had the tool box to reach all kids,” Principal Pino said.

Vitale earned his school administration credentials from the NJ Excel program and began his career at Hillsborough High School as a special education and social studies teacher. He also coached football and was an advisor the peer mentoring program.

“He has dedicated his career to fostering an inclusive, supportive learning environment, where students are encouraged to explore their interests, challenge themselves, and develop critical thinking skills,” Principal Pino said.

His hobbies include playing guitar, writing music, crossing training, and cooking. He and his wife Brittany have two children.

Both Vitale and Cuccaro started their new positions on July 1. ■