The Calais School Board is delighted to announce that John W. Cohrs has been named Executive Director of The Calais School in Whippany, NJ. He will be replacing David Leitner who is retiring on June 30th after serving Calais for 28 years.

The Calais School is a state-approved, private special education school for students in grades K through 12 plus who have multiple learning disabilities as well as anxiety, mood, behavior and autism spectrum disorders.

Strong leadership and a commitment to the special needs community make John an ideal fit. “John’s experience and dedication to our mission of serving special needs children is unsurpassed.” said Calais Board Chair Gerry Gross.

John is also no stranger to the Calais School itself. He is currently Calais’ esteemed School Principal and has over 20 years’ experience in private education as a teacher, supervisor, assistant principal, and principal. In addition, he has had an ongoing engagement with the financial, legal and regulatory aspects of accredited independent schools, and holds a proven track record of fiscal growth and school advancement. 

John looks forward to his new role saying, “I’m excited for the opportunity to contribute at this level to a school with such a rich tradition of innovation and therapeutic support. The Calais School has a strong faculty and staff that puts students first and sees the school experience through the eyes of the children. It’s a privilege to be named executive director.”

Current Executive Director David Leitner underscores the appointment of John as his successor. “His firsthand knowledge of the Calais School prepared him for this new role, and I am confident that he will do an outstanding job with our mission and vision.”

We congratulate John in his new position as Executive Director and look forward to a promising year of leadership and helping Calais to exceed all possibilities!

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The Calais School is a 501©(3) organization and a leading private, non-profit special education school in New Jersey serving students in grades K through 12 Plus. Our mission is to empower and encourage children and young adults with special needs, including ADHD; reading and math weaknesses; and anxiety, mood, behavior, and autism spectrum disorders. 

For more information, contact Ashley.Soleau@thecalaisschool.org.