Rattler lands plum assignment in NJ

Gallon chosen as Superintendent of Plainfield Schools

Steve Gallon, a Miami-Dade County public school administrator, has been named superintendent of the Plainfield Public Schools in central New Jersey.

Gallon, 38, was voted to the post unanimously by the district's School Board. He begins in July.

Said Miami-Dade Public Schools Superintendent Rudy Crew: ``He's going to be a great superintendent. He's bright, thoughtful, kid-centered and unafraid.''

Gallon, started his career as a seventh-grade English teacher and rose through the ranks to become principal at his alma mater , Miami Northwestern High School, a position he held for seven years.

In 2005, Superintendent Rudy Crew tapped Gallon to head the district's alternative education program. In that role, Gallon helped launch the ''Highways to Success'' initiative, an array of specialized programs for kids who are considered at risk of dropping out.

Gallon was recently a finalist for three other superintendent positions.

The Plainfield district is made up of 15 schools and about 65,000 students.

Gallon signed a four-year contract. His first-year salary will be $198,000

Also see: Gallon writes book