NJASA

Press Release
Contact Anne H. Gallagher
NJASA Director of Communications
609-599-2900, ext. 126
agallagher@njasa.net

NJASA Names Three Regional Superintendents of the Year

The 2025 NJASA Regional Superintendents of the Year Are Available to Comment on Education-Related Issues.

Atlantic City, NJ October 23, 2024…… The New Jersey Association of School Administrators (NJASA) has selected three regional 2025 Superintendents of the Year. They are: Region I recipient – Jack Hurley, Chief Education Officer, Rutherford School District; Region II recipient – Dr. Tami R. Crader, Chief Education Officer, Neptune Township Schools; and Region III recipient – Dr. Thomas G. Farrell, Chief Education Officer, Brick Township Public School District.

The three Regional Superintendents of the Year were recognized today at the Annual Fall Workshop in Atlantic City. The Workshop is co-sponsored by NJASA, the New Jersey Association of School Business Officials (NJASBO), and the New Jersey School Boards Association (NJSBA).

NJASA Executive Director Dr. Richard G. Bozza said, "On behalf of NJASA, it is a privilege to acknowledge and congratulate New Jersey’s 2025 three regional superintendents. They are remarkable chief education officers with vision, imagination, and compassion for the students, staff and communities they serve."


Jack Hurley, Region I recipient, has served the Rutherford School District for 47 years as a teacher, supervisor, assistant principal, principal, and superintendent. In his ten years as superintendent, he implemented pre-school classes, an 18-21 program, and reorganized schools to allow for more space and expanded curriculum. A $45 million referendum that was passed in 2019 with construction completed in 2023, enhanced and expanded the six buildings in district. This year, the district is introducing the Profile of the Rutherford Graduate to strengthen and further unify the foundational pieces of the curriculum and co-curricular program at all grade levels. He is most proud of the collaboration and community in the borough that is epitomized in the “One Rutherford” logo that is the district’s brand.

After spending several years leading other New Jersey schools and districts as vice principal/curriculum supervisor, principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent, Region II recipient Dr. Tami Crader is now serving her tenth year as superintendent of the Neptune Township School District, a prek-12 district of 3500 students in Monmouth County. Dr. Crader feels fortunate to work and learn with talented and dedicated staff members and with a Board of Education that supports her in leading the important work of the district. She is proud of the district’s success in improving student achievement as evidenced by the recent attainment of all NJSLA growth targets, of planned professional development that focuses on creating equitable opportunities for all students, and of the district’s commitment to building relationships with students, families, and community partners. Upon inheriting state-of-the art facilities from the previous district leaders, Dr. Crader knew that the district was poised for instructional leadership; she has remained steadfast in her commitment to building and promoting high quality and interesting curricula, engaging instructional practices, and strong communication pathways. She is the first female superintendent in Neptune Township Schools, the chairperson of the NJASA Professional Development Committee, a member of the NJASA Leadership and Diversity Committee, a member of the Monmouth County Superintendents’ Roundtable Women in Leadership and Wellness Committees, and the chairperson of the Monmouth County Superintendents’ Roundtable Equity Committee.

Dr. Farrell, Region III recipient, is in his twelfth year as a Superintendent and is considered a proven strategic leader with a steadfast commitment to providing student-centered instruction through teacher-led practice in a supportive and engaging learning environment that fosters academic growth, interpersonal relationships, and community involvement. His leadership skills translate organizational strategies into results that are in the best interest of all stakeholders at Brick Schools. Brick Schools is a large PreK - 12 District with 12 schools, 8500 students, and 1500 staff. Dr. Farrell truly believes that "it’s not - in-vogue programs or large school budgets that make excellent school districts and great schools, it’s people and relationships - in particular, student-teacher relationships. All of our students need an adult advocate in our schools that care about them on a one-to-one level - we just need to create an environment where these healthy relationships thrive and young people have a sense of belonging to a caring community."

The next step in the process for the three regional recipients 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 2025 New Jersey Superintendent of the Year. Now in its 38^th year, the National Superintendent of the Year® Program pays tribute to the talent and vision of the men and women who lead our nation's public schools. This program is sponsored by Sourcewell, Corebridge Financial and AASA.

The selection qualifications for the State and National Superintendent of the Year include: meeting the needs of their students, demonstrated communication strength, a commitment to professional development and growth, and significant community involvement.

AASA will announce the National Superintendent of the Year at its Conference on Education in March 2025.

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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.