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

     

     

    JACK HURLEY NAMED 2025 SUPERINTENDENT OF THE YEAR

     

     

    The 2025 New Jersey Superintendent of the Year Jack Hurley

    Rutherford School District

    is available to comment on Education-Related Issues.



    Trenton, NJ, November 6, 2024…. Jack Hurley of Rutherford Public Schools is designated New Jersey's 2025 Superintendent of the Year by the New Jersey Association of School Administrators (NJASA) and is now a contender for the National Superintendent of the Year Award by the American Association of School Administrators (AASA). In September, NJASA also recognized Mr. Hurley as New Jersey’s Region I Superintendent of the Year. Other regional honorees included 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 AASA will celebrate each state representative and announce the National Superintendent of the Year at its National Conference on Education in March 2025 in New Orleans, LA. This prestigious award, now in its 38th year, honors the talent and vision of educational leaders across the U.S.

    NJASA Executive, Dr. Richard G. Bozza, remarked, "NJASA is honored to see such a distinguished leader receive this well-deserved recognition." He praised Hurley’s educational background and expertise, which have contributed significantly to advancements in New Jersey’s public education system.

    Accepting the New Jersey Superintendent of the Year title, Hurley expressed, "Education is the greatest profession. We lay the foundation for all other fields and shape the future of our students." He emphasized, "This recognition belongs to the Board, our dedicated administrative and supervisory teams, faculty, staff, students, and the supportive community of Rutherford.”

    Hurley views this honor as a shared achievement with colleagues and the community, stating, "This award reflects the outstanding work by our talented staff and students." He added, "I share this recognition with my colleagues and community in Bergen County and South Bergen County in particular, where countless moments of excellence happen in our schools."

    With a career spanning 47 years in Rutherford Schools, a PreK-12 district serving about 2,600 students, Hurley was appointed Chief Education Officer in 2014. His earlier roles included teacher, supervisor, assistant principal, and high school principal. His extensive experience and commitment to the district have established him as a respected leader, admired by staff, the Board of Education, and peers in other districts.

    During his superintendency, Hurley introduced preschool classes, an 18-21 transition program, and a restructuring of school facilities for enhanced space and curriculum expansion. A $45 million referendum passed in 2019 and completed in 2023 improved and expanded the district’s six buildings. This year, the district is implementing the Profile of the Graduate to unify curriculum and co-curricular offerings across all grade levels, a vision the superintendent embodies through the district’s “One Rutherford” motto.

    Hurley’s steady leadership guided the district through challenges like COVID-19 and social justice issues, fostering unity and progress. His leadership has helped keep Rutherford focused on advancing educational goals and supporting students’ growth.

    Rooted in a passion for education, Hurley’s journey from his beginnings in Jersey City to his current leadership reflects a lifelong dedication to learning. A long-standing member of the Bergen County Teacher of the Year Awards Committee and the Rutherford Emergency Management Team, he holds a master’s degree in School Administration from Montclair State University and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Wagner College.

    ###

    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.