This school year NVD welcomed two new assistant principals, Richard Scherer, and Susan Baez. Scherer, who is in charge of grades nine and eleven, and Baez, who is in charge of grade ten and twelve, are both very enthusiastic about the upcoming school year and are very excited to help the NVD community thrive. 

Scherer grew up in Bergen county, getting his diploma from Saddle Brook High School. He then decided to continue his education at Penn State, majoring in elementary education. Scherer loved his experience at Penn State and still visits the school. 

“I still go back to Penn State once a year for a football game!” Scherer said. “We are Penn State!” 

After college, Scherer got a job teaching fifth and later sixth grade in Saddle Brook. He then went to Walden University to get his master’s in administrative leadership and started his career in administration.

“After nine years at Saddle Brook, I was assistant principal at the Montvale Middle School for five years, and then principal at the upper program at Norwood for two years,” he said. 

Working in education, for him, is the opportunity to change the lives of the students. Though the job comes with its challenges, being able to have a positive impact in the lives of students makes it worth it for him. 

“I was inspired by those ‘lightbulb moments’ when a student suddenly understands a concept or discovers a new interest…every day brings the chance to make a real difference in someone’s life,” Scherer said. 

Scherer is very excited to get involved with school activities. He wants to help improve co-curricular clubs, sports, theater and music programs. 

“While classroom learning is incredible, it’s outside the classroom where students really shine and showcase their unique talents. I can’t wait to cheer on our Norsemen and be part of these exciting experiences all year long!” he said. 

In his first few weeks at NVD, Scherer was incredibly impressed with the students. Both by their, in his words, fantastic academics, but also by the positive culture.

“Even more remarkable is the positive and respectful culture you feel when walking the hallways or visiting classrooms,” Scherer said. “If you see me in the hallway don’t be afraid to say hi!” 

Scherer wants the students to know that he is here to support them in any way that they need. He wants to build strong relationships in the school in order to help it thrive. 

“My goal is to gradually become an integral part of the Norsemen family by building strong relationships … I also hope to support our students and enhance programs like Norsemen Period and Norsemen Day, making them more student-centered and meaningful for everyone,” he said. 

Along with Scherer, Baez is joining NVD this school year. Baez went to St. Joseph’s of the Palisades High School in NJ. 

She then got her bachelor’s and later master’s degrees from Fairleigh Dickinson University before going back to get her second master’s. 

“Later, I went on to earn a second Master’s in Educational Leadership, Management, and Policy from Seton Hall University,” Baez said. 

After college Baez went on to work as an English teacher at Bergenfield High School for many years. After that she served as a vice principal at Palisades Park Junior-Senior High School. 

“Both roles gave me valuable experience and helped shape my passion for supporting students in and out of the classroom,” Baez said.
Ever since she was a young child, Baez knew she wanted to become an educator. She always had a knack for helping others and had a great time learning in school. 

“Becoming a teacher, and later a school leader, was a natural path that allowed me to combine those passions and make a positive impact on students’ lives,” Baez said. 

Baez began work at NVD on July 1 and was impressed from the beginning. She admired the professionalism and support she received from the office staff and new administrative team, as well as the teachers and students. 

“I can already tell this is a school community that values excellence,” she said. “I’m excited and proud to be part of NVD and look forward to helping move this incredible school forward.”

Baez is excited to get to know everyone who is a part of the NVD community and learn about what makes it the special place that it is. She can’t wait to work alongside NVD’s dedicated professionals and incredible students. 

“I’m looking forward to attending events, cheering on our teams at games, and becoming an active part of the school community,” Baez said. 

Throughout her time at NVD, Baez hopes to continue making the school even better. She is committed to helping the school grow and thrive in any way possible. 

“My goal is to support our students, staff, and community while building on the strong legacy and tradition of excellence that NVD is known for,” Baez said. 

Baez hopes the students know that she is truly looking forward to getting to know each and every one of them. She is always available for help and encourages the students to not hesitate to reach out. 

“Never be afraid to ask for help,” Baez said. “Even if I can’t solve the issue directly, I’ll make sure to point you in the right direction and work with you to find a solution.”

We are excited to see how Scherer and Baez continue to help the NVD community thrive. There is no doubt that they will work hard and be active with school life. 

“Your hard work will pay off, and I’m excited to see all that you achieve,” Baez said. “Wishing you nothing but success this school year!”