NAMED NJ CENTRAL REGIONAL

SUPERINTENDENT OF THE YEAR

Dr. Marilyn Elgart Birnbaum, Superintendent, North Plainfield Public Schools, was selected the 2011 New Jersey Association of School Administrators (NJASA) Central Regional Superintendent of the Year.

2011 is the third year of NJASA's new process to name three regional – Northern, Central and Southern – Superintendent of the Year winners. The two other chief education officers joining Dr. Birnbaum are: Northern Regional winner – Dr. David C. Verducci, Superintendent, Glen Rock Public Schools, and Southern Regional winner – Dr. Mark J. Raivetz, Superintendent, Haddon Township Public Schools.

NJASA Executive Director Richard G. Bozza said, “Marilyn Birnbaum, an NJASA member since the mid-eighties, is an excellent role model for all aspiring chief education officers to emulate. She is a results-oriented professional who continually strives to improve the quality of education for all students through her knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm.”

Under her leadership, the district has accomplished the following:

Full day kindergarten, half-day preschool, and a comprehensive adult high school,

$32,000,000 building project that addressed the needs of five buildings,

Curriculum initiatives that continue to enhance and improve the educational experience for all North Plainfield students, and

State-of-the art technology program that provides all students with 21st century skills.

Central Regional winner Dr. Birnbaum is currently the Somerset County representative to the NJASA Curriculum and Instruction Committee. A prolific writer and noted author of curriculum-related materials, she also presents innovative curriculum-related initiatives at state professional development opportunities. At the local level, Dr. Birnbaum has been active in the Somerset County Association of School Administrators (SCASA), holding various offices, including that of President, and participating on numerous subcommittees.

NJASA Executive Director Richard G. Bozza said, “All three regional superintendents are remarkable educational leaders with vision, imagination, and compassion for the students they serve. Their accomplishments exemplify what every chief education officer should achieve.”

Each regional winner was judged on the following qualifications: 1) minimum of five years experience as a chief education officer; 2) record of service within their respective county affiliate and NJASA; and 3) distinguished record as an educator.

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 will select the 2011 New Jersey Superintendent of the Year. The program, established in 1988 and sponsored by ARAMARK Education, ING Foundation, and AASA, is open to all public school superintendents in the United States and overseas.

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. Additionally, at the state and regional levels, NJASA has a fifth qualification that addresses service to the Association.