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920 West State Street • Trenton, New Jersey 08618-5328
609.599.2900 / Fax: 609.599.9359 website: http://www.njasa.net
Press Release
Contact Anne H. Gallagher
NJASA Director of Communications
609-599-2900, ext. 126
agallagher@njasa.net
NJASA Names Dr. Carol Birnbohm
Region III Regional Superintendent of the Year
Dr. Carol Birnbohm is available to comment on Education-Related Issues.
November 6, 2018…… The New Jersey Association of School Administrators (NJASA) selected Dr. Carol Birnbohm, Chief Education Officer, Lenape Regional High School District, (LRHSD) the 2019 Region III Regional Superintendent of the Year. She was introduced recently at the NJASA Executive Committee’s October meeting at the Annual Fall Workshop in Atlantic City. Later that day, Workshop acknowledged the 2019 Regional Superintendents of the Year at its general session. The Workshop is co-sponsored by NJASA, the New Jersey Association of School Business Officials (NJASBO), and the New Jersey School Boards Association (NJSBA).
The two other chief education officers joining Dr. Birnbohm are: Region I winner – Dr. Michael LaSusa, Chief Education Officer, School District of the Chathams; and Region II winner - Dr. Michael Salvatore, Chief Education Officer, Long Branch Public Schools.
"NJASA is pleased to have someone of Carol Birnbohm’s stature receive this well-respected honor," notes NJASA Executive Director Dr. Richard G. Bozza. "Carol’s unique background and pedagogical experience have assisted in improving educational efforts throughout New Jersey’s public school systems," Bozza adds.
Region III Superintendent of the Year Dr. Birnbohm leads a district of four high schools and one alternative program, 6800 students, and 1100 staff, making LRHSD one of the largest employers in Burlington County, New Jersey. Because of the scope of her responsibilities, communication strategies play an important role in her leadership style.
From her vantage point of 17 plus years’ experience as a school administrator, Region III winner Dr. Birnbohm takes great pride in the team approach from all staff in embracing creative ways to reach all students. One in particular, the LRHSD’s Two Graduations, an initiative she spearheaded, is having a positive effect on all students while closing gaps in college enrollment rates.
LRHSD recently adopted an innovative Four-Day Rotating Schedule to increase/improve instructional and collaboration time among staff and students, and increase schedule efficiency at every high school. This change required a strong commitment from – and the trust of – students, staff, BOE and parents.
Dr. Birnbohm bolstered that trust by involving all stakeholders in the selection process for the schedule and giving them control as to how the district uses one of its most precious resources – time. She worked with a central planning team, a visiting team, and an implementation team, made up of students, principals, teachers, counselors and support staff to move this large district in a radical new direction. She personally communicated with each group to anticipate and address any concerns and highlight the many benefits of the new schedule. All of the goals of the schedule were more than achieved. Word of that success spread, and districts throughout the state and beyond visit LRHSD to learn about and observe the schedule in action.
The Region III winner was appointed Chief Education Officer of the LRHSD in 2012. Previously, Dr. Birnbohm served as the District’s Assistant Superintendent, Director of Programs and Planning, Assistant Principal and Supervisor of Math/Guidance and math teacher.
An NJASA member since 2004, Dr. Birnbohm serves as the Burlington County Representative to the NJASA Executive Committee and Co-Chair of the NJASA Women in Leadership Committee. Currently, she is an officer of the Burlington County Association of School Administrators serving as the Treasurer.
In 2017-2018, the National School Public Relations Association selected her as a "Superintendent to Watch." She is the recipient of the Audrey K. Doberstein Award for Leadership "for outstanding leadership and dedication to the philosophy and mission of Wilmington University."
A Southampton resident, she earned her doctorate from Wilmington University. She received her master’s degree in Education Administration from Rowan University and her undergraduate degree from Trenton State College now The College of New Jersey.
The next step in the process for the three regional winners will be the selection of a New Jersey candidate to participate in the AASA National Superintendent of the Year Award. A committee of NJASA Past Presidents and former Regional Superintendents of the Year will select the 2019 New Jersey Superintendent of the Year. The program, now in its 32nd year and sponsored by First Student, VALIC, and AASA, pays tribute to the talent and vision of the men and women who lead our nation’s public schools.
AASA will announce the National Superintendent of the Year at its Annual Conference on Education in February 2019.
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About NJASA:
The New Jersey Association of School Administrators is an organization of chief education officers and school administrators who lead school districts in New Jersey’s 21 counties. The Association’s mission is to ensure a superior statewide system of education. Through ongoing professional training and education, the Association shares knowledge among its members about best practices from both educational and administrative perspectives. Its goal is to move education forward by ensuring the highest quality of instruction for all New Jersey children. The Association is located at 920 West State Street, Trenton, New Jersey 08618-5328. For more information -- PH: 609.599.2900 / Fax: 609.599.9359 / website: www.njasa.net.
Education Brief Videos
Due to the complexity of educational topics, NJASA has released a series of videos to help parents and taxpayers better understand the issues. Each video can be accessed on a special NJASA YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/user/TheNJASA or by clicking on the YouTube icon on the NJASA website, www.njasa.net.
