Kinnelon's new Interim Director of Curriculum and Instruction Ruth Anne Estler started working with the district on Monday.

Her contract in Kinnelon will be effective until June 2013.

The Boonton resident comes to the district after recently completing a one-year contract in the same role for the Parsippany-Troy Hills school district. Prior to that, she worked as instructional administrator at the Paterson Charter School for Science and Technology and also as an assistant superintendent for  Montville Township Public Schools.

Estler is retired from the New Jersey Department of Education, where she worked for five years. Prior to that, she worked for 18 years in the Boonton Township school district, serving as an elementary, middle and high school teacher, principal and director of curriculum. She said she decided to apply for the Kinnelon position, which was open after now Interim Superintendent Diane DiGiuseppe went on to fill the role left vacant by former Superintendent Jim Opiekun, because of the Kinnelon school district's reputation.

"It’s a very high performing district," she said. "In my longevity I have a lot of experience to offer and I know that there's been a lot of great work done already by [DiGiuseppe]."

Estler said there is not one particular area she plans to focus on in Kinnelon, but rather all areas will receive attention.

"There are only two content area supervisors here and that’s difficult, so we have to look at the curriculum, at the scheduled mandates, review and revise as it's needed," she said.

Estler was welcomed by DiGiuseppe and board members at Thursday's board of education meeting.

"I think it's great to see a new face. We look forward to working with you," Board Member Denise Hatch said.