Stevens alumnus named Edison H.S. principal Sal Mistretta will use his coaching background to 'build a team' at EHS BY TOM CAIAZZA Staff Writer Sal Mistretta is crystal clear about where his loyalties lie. He will bleed red and gold. The former J.P. Stevens graduate and Sayreville High School football coach is taking the helm at Edison High School as principal this fall. "It's always nice to come home," said Mistretta, whose parents are still Edison residents. "I have been staying up on what is going on in town." Mistretta comes from North Brunswick High School and said that he was courted away from the principal position there because it was the right time to leave. "It was time for me to make a move," he said, "and it was the perfect fit for me." Just a few months past receiving tenure from the North Brunswick School Board, Mistretta said the direction the district was going was not the same as where he wanted to be. He sees Edison as a district heading in the same direction as he is. As a former football coach, Mistretta said he brings similar leadership skills to the principal's office. "It's very similar because it's a leadership role where you're managing people and you have to anticipate issues, and deal with issues as they come up," Mistretta said. The consummate football coach used a sports metaphor to describe how his past shines through his present. "To be able to react to things like you would in the middle of the fourth quarter is a plus," Mistretta said. "You don't have time to sit down and qualify everything you are going to do, so you have to make a decision. That is a plus, having that ability." Mistretta was unanimously confirmed by the Board of Education on Aug. 20. "He's a great choice for Edison High School," said board member Susan Scerbo. "I love that we're bringing back someone from Edison." Board Vice President Joe Romano headed the Personnel Committee considering candidates for the principal position. He said he was "very impressed" with Mistretta's style and his knowledge of what the school needs, and how to get the most out of the students and staff. "He's an ex-football coach," Romano said. "He has a sense that he can build a team, and that's what coaches do. I believe Mr. Mistretta will be able to build a team at Edison High." Mistretta said he was grateful for the confidence he received from the school board and the administration. He said that at the board meeting for his confirmation, he knew many of the members of the audience personally, and that will be a comforting factor when he takes control of Edison High School. Last week he took part in a function for all the building heads in the district and found that he was comfortable from the beginning. "It was fantastic," Mistretta said. "Once you get in there and you realize that you know half those guys, it was a real positive atmosphere. I feel I will fit in well." Under state law, educators are required to give their former districts 60 days' notice before leaving a position. Due to this, Mistretta will not begin when school starts in September and will instead take over in October. He said he will not immediately make his mark on the school but will instead take the time to listen to the needs of the faculty, students, parents and staff. "Over the next summer," Mistretta said, "that will be my time to really look and put my own stamp on Edison High School." Come November, there is no question as to which side of the field he will be sitting on during the Thanksgiving Day game between cross-town rivals Edison High and J.P. Stevens. He even said the transition will be easy. "As long as I get some red and gold clothing, I'm ready to go," Mistretta said.