MONTVALE, N.J.—Superintendent of Schools Dirk Phillips tells Pascack Press he’s pleased to announce Christine Pollinger, assistant principal of Pascack Hills High School, as the next principal of Pascack Hills High School.
Her appointment was approved at the Pascack Valley Regional High School District Board of Education meeting on July 15. Pollinger will assume her new role Aug. 1.
Following an extensive search process that began with 37 highly qualified candidates and included four rounds of interviews, Pollinger emerged as the clear choice to lead Pascack Hills High School, Phillips says.
The comprehensive process included input from district administrators, supervisors, parents, staff and students, ensuring a broad range of perspectives informed the final recommendation.
“Selecting the next principal of Pascack Hills High School is one of the most important decisions we make as a district,” Phillips tells us. “Throughout an exceptionally competitive search, Christine consistently demonstrated a deep passion for Pascack Hills High School, a comprehensive understanding of school operations and instructional leadership, and a clear vision for continuing to move our school forward. Her commitment to students, staff and our community, coupled with her collaborative leadership style, made her the outstanding choice for this position.”
Pollinger has served as assistant principal of Pascack Hills High School since 2019, where she has helped lead a school of approximately 1,000 students while overseeing student services, school climate, teacher supervision and evaluation, curriculum implementation, and school safety initiatives.
Prior to joining Pascack Hills, she was program coordinator at Park Academy Middle School, where she developed innovative instructional programs, secured grant funding, managed school operations, and fostered strong partnerships with families and community organizations.
A veteran educator and administrator, Pollinger brings nearly three decades of educational experience to the principalship. She holds a master’s degree in educational leadership from William Paterson University, recently completed a certificate in mind, brain and teaching at Johns Hopkins University, and has been recognized for her leadership in neuroeducation, school climate, and instructional innovation.
She is also the recipient of a 2025 New Jersey Department of Education Empowering Educators: Teacher Climate and Culture Innovation Grant and has presented on numerous topics, including teacher efficacy, student wellness, and instructional leadership.
Throughout the interview process, says Phillips, committee members were impressed not only by Pollinger’s extensive experience but also by her unwavering belief in the Pascack Hills community. Her thoughtful leadership, dedication to continuous improvement, and commitment to fostering an inclusive, student-centered environment distinguished her throughout every stage of the selection process.
The district extends its sincere appreciation to everyone who participated in the search process. The valuable perspectives shared by administrators, supervisors, parents, staff members and students were instrumental in identifying the district’s next leader for Pascack Hills High School.
— Via PVRHSD press release