After four years as principal at South, Ms. Jessica Cincotta will be stepping into the role of Assistant Superintendent in the Pupil Services and Planning department. During Ms. Cincotta’s tenure at South, her warmth and welcoming nature strengthened our community. She has accumulated numerous milestones, such as leading the transition out of COVID-19, facilitating the renovation of the new wing, and organizing the 50th anniversary photo. 

     Through her 25 year journey in education, Ms. Cincotta’s path to leadership was anything but traditional. Coming from a small farm town in Illinois with a population of just 600, she entered the teaching profession as a music teacher. “I’ve taught everything from elementary music to middle school and high school band and choir,” she said. Her love for teaching took her across the globe, where she taught music in American International schools in Paraguay and Bolivia, before returning to the U.S. to take administrative roles in Illinois at the age of 29. Eventually, she first made her way to WWP as an assistant principal at High School North for four years, and then became principal of South in 2021. 

     When she first arrived at South, the world was in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. Still, Ms. Cincotta found a way to make school as normal as possible. “I think I’m really proud of how we transitioned back my first year,” she said. “We made it through, and we made it through well. I’m really proud that we provided opportunities in the way we could for our kids.”

     “She’s really open to student input, always tries super hard to work with us to achieve what we want while still maintaining a responsible view,” said Rachel Joseph (’25), student council president.

     Ms. Cincotta has led with intention and vision, such as through her management of the school renovation project. “I knew that [the renovation] was something that this building needed — a little physical love right into the physical space, so that you could feel like this place has spirit,” said Ms. Cincotta. While keeping the unique open-concept style of the [PAGE CUTS] building, she contributed to the construction of new administrative offices and the renovation of the library. 

     Despite the new renovations, the preservation of the open-concept layout works well with Ms. Cincotta’s commitment to engage with students and staff. She often walks around the school and sits in classrooms. “I needed to see kids. I needed to hear classrooms. Because it’s open, so you can just hear lots of different discussions,” she said. “That’s one of the best parts of my job.” 

    Her leadership has made a noticeable difference. “What I always say about Principal Cincotta is that she walks it like she talks it,” said Assistant Principal Ernie Covington. “She is never going to ask you to do anything that she’s never done, she’s never gonna ask you to do anything that she doesn’t believe in.”

     Next school year she will be stepping into her new role in the district’s administrative offices near Village School on Village Road. Taking over her position of principal will be Ms. Valerie Rodriguez. As the Assistant Superintendent of Pupil Services and Planning, Ms. Cincotta will be supervising building safety protocol while collaborating with assistant principals across the district. 

     “It comes with a feeling of excitement about the new position and the fact that I’m still in the district. I love being in West Windsor-Plainsboro,” she said. 

     Ms. Cincotta will be the first female in her position in the district. “I am the sixth person to have the job, and the previous five were all male,” she said. “That’s exciting for me, and I hope that people can see themselves in that type of job.”

     Her promotion reflects a shift that is still ongoing nationwide. As of 2024, only 27% of superintendents are female, according to The School Superintendent Association. “I’m going to be a base so that somebody can stand on my shoulders,” said Ms. Cincotta. 

     Even as she moves to a higher position, Ms. Cincotta stays grounded in her core beliefs. “I’m lucky,” she said. “I have some very strong colleagues who support me, even on really hard days. You’ve got to find those people.”

     The network of support Ms. Cincotta’s values supports the belief that drives her as a leader. “I think the message that I’ve tried to send all along is that you’re important — every one person is important. Your decisions are your decisions, but when we do this together, it can be better.”