Cranford Schools Move Principal Into New Leadership Role

CRANFORD, NJ — A new Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction will be serving Cranford Public Schools next year.

The district conducted comprehensive interviews and reference checks before ultimately choosing Kevin Deacon, currently the Principal of Hillside Avenue School, as its choice. The selection committee says he showed dedication, proven innovation, and a forward-thinking academic approach that advances student achievement.

Deacon's academic career began as a Special Education Teacher and Assistant Principal over 10 years at Walter H. Crowley Intermediate School 5 in Queens, New York. He was hired in 2013 as an Assistant Principal at Orange Avenue School before continuing his journey in Cranford as the Principal at Livingston Avenue School in 2016.

"The community has been so welcoming from the first day I started here," Deacon told Patch. "It is such a wonderful place to be."

His role as the leader of Hillside Avenue School began in 2019. As a member of Cranford Public Schools, Deacon has led the movement to implement new middle school programs for student enrichment, worked to enhance teacher capacity through professional development, and led information sessions on modern education, including Artificial Intelligence.

"I am really excited about the curricular updates that will come with the completion of the bond referendum projects," he adds. "Students at the high school and middle school will have the opportunity to utilize state-of-the-art STEAM and culinary labs. Elementary school students will have the opportunity to collaborate in modernized media centers."

Deacon completed all of his higher education in New York state with a Master of Science in School Leadership from Touro College, a Master of Science in Special Education from Queens College, and a Bachelor of Arts in History from Siena College.

While New York will always be a part of who he is, he says Cranford truly has become "a home away from home" for him.

"I love the parks around Cranford. The green spaces are so beautiful and relaxing. I especially love Nomehegan Park."

Deacon takes over for Dr. Brian Heineman effective January 1, 2026.

Patch has reached out for further details on the reasoning behind the change in leadership.

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