Concerned Parents of Matawan-Aberdeen

Superintendent says his goodbyes

Posted by the Asbury Park Press on 11/6/07

ABERDEEN — When Superintendent Bruce Quinn departs his post today, the Matawan-Aberdeen Regional school district will have humongous shoes to fill.

At least, that's what many people in this district of seven schools will tell you about the man's leadership skills.

"Working with Mr. Quinn has been like a breath of fresh air," said Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Kimberly Honnick, who has worked with Quinn since last July.

"It is a pleasure coming to work feeling valued, appreciated and respected, both professionally and personally. Mr. Quinn possesses many qualities of an effective instructional leader, and his presence will be truly missed. However, it is his love and passion for this community that will be missed the most."

Quinn, 57, who has served in his role since August 2002 and earns $150,000 annually, is moving on to become assistant executive director of the New Jersey Association of School Business Officials. The district has hired a search firm to find Quinn's successor.

Quinn said he is honored to have made positive contributions to the district. Some of his unforgettable moments, he said, are the $660,000 initiative called Response to Intervention, a first-time program designed to help students with academic or behavioral difficulties, roughly 15 percent to 20 percent of the district's population. Full implementation of the program began in September for the first through sixth grades.

He also cited his leadership in 2004, when Matawan-Aberdeen Middle School caught fire just prior to the start of classes, and his controversial initiative concerning the reorganization of the four elementary schools.

Quinn said he will miss the contact with students and "the opportunity to work with some really dedicated teachers and staff."

Prior to becoming superintendent in 2002, Quinn had worked in the district in various positions since September 1979. He also served as business administrator/board secretary for eight years.

One factor that excites Quinn about being a part of the education community is having the "opportunity to positively impact the life of a child to reach their full potential and to become productive members of society. I don't think there is a profession that offers you more of an opportunity," he said.

Board of Education President Lawrence O'Connell said his colleagues wish Quinn well in his new position.

"I believe that the board agrees that Mr. Quinn was the right person to lead our district while we were investing heavily in facilities improvements to upgrade and expand our school buildings. He also helped immensely in improving the climate in our schools as his innovations improved school security, safety and business office operations."

O'Connell said that Quinn's tenure in the district was not without some controversy. Still, he said, "I can say that the current board is grateful for Bruce's leadership and skills. We look forward to selecting a new leader who will lead our district to higher levels of student achievement and financial prudence."

Confidential Secretary Susan Palumbo described the five years she has worked under Quinn as a "wonderful experience."

"He is kind, always willing to listen and one of the most intelligent men I know. I admire how deeply he cares about this district and always putting the students' welfare first. He has been a great boss, and I will miss him very much."

In July, Quinn handed in his resignation because for three of the five years in his position, he said, he had been struggling to work with a divided nine-member Board of Education.

students with academic or behavioral difficulties, roughly 15 percent to 20 percent of the district's population. Full implementation of the program began in September for the first through sixth grades.