Dr. Parliapanides, Central graduate, and superintendent, sat down with Amylynn Doffont in the media center for some conversation about his new job and his plans for the district.

Q: How do you like your new job?

Dr. P.: It's good. I has been very exciting. More meetings than I ever expected.

Q: What tasks do you take on every day?

Dr. P.: Tasks about everything from student issues to teacher issues. Big issues on our new solar panels we are trying to install. Any issues to make Central Regional a better place. I always say the paperwork will bere there at 3:00. The students will not.

Q: Does this new job put a lot of pressure on you?

Dr. P.: No. I like pressure. I think you accomplish more under pressure.

Q: What new things will you be bringing to Central this year, and from now on?

Dr. P.: The coffee house is new this year. Hopefully more students will come to the library now. I just finished the ABC Extreme Make-over School Edition application. We are applying to re-do our weight room. Also, I am looking for some seniors to work with the Boy Scouts to get an outside court, like the middle school, for senior privileges only. Seniors could eat outside. You guys are a great bunch of kids. And of course, our students' academics - get them ready for college.

Q: What is your say in having a night graduation ceremony this year?

Dr. P.: That's something we would have to run by the board of education. See the pro's and con's of everything. Do some research on it. But everything is a possibility.

Q: What are your goals?

Dr. P.: I have a three-year plan in place. This year I am focusing on getting used to the high school. What I am looking forward to doing for next year is getting new schedules with more time for instruction and to offer more electives for the students. Also, I want to bring more money to the district. I am looking into a health center for the school, which means I want to try and get a pool. However, the overall goal in three years is to be the #1 school in Ocean County. Then we'll go after the state.

Q: Did you always want to come back here after graduating from Central?

Dr. P.: Yes, I always wanted to. It's home for me. It's half of my life. Seventeen years, from being a teacher to a principal, now to being the superintendent.

Q: What are your favorite things about Central?

Dr. P.: The #1 thing is we have great kids. Also, we have great teachers and parents. The staff is great too. We have two great buildings here and we have the potential to become an even better school district.

Q: I know, and I think everyone knows, you spend most of your time here. But what are you doing when you're not at Central?

Dr. P.: I just like to relax. I have a beach cruiser and I'm pretty sure you all have seen me on it. I love college football. However I am a social nerd and I need to work on the social life.

Q: How is being an alumn an advantage to you?

Dr. P.: It is an advantage because I know Central Regional. I know the kids and I know the parents. It brings a sense of pride.

Q: Anything else you'd like to add?

Dr. P.: I want to thank the students, staff, parents, and everyone for all the support. I hope with all of this help that we will pass the budget this year. Also, would like to thank the field hockey team for being B South Champs. It's my first championship, and only three months on the job!