Leader of K-12 district is now in the running for National Superintendent of the Year
\nThrough a five-decade career that has included countless challenges, Rutherford Public Schools Superintendent Mr. Jack Hurley never doubted that he chose the right field.
\n\u201cEducation is the greatest profession,\u201d Mr. Hurley said. \u201cWe create the foundation for every occupation and help shape the future of our students.\u201d
\nThat passion for education sparked many successful initiatives in the Rutherford district and now, a statewide distinction for Mr. Hurley.
\nThe New Jersey Association of School Administrators named Mr. Hurley as New Jersey’s Superintendent of the Year on Oct. 28. The American Association of School Administrators will choose the National Superintendent of the Year in March from among the statewide winners.
\n\u201cWe are incredibly proud to celebrate our superintendent Jack Hurley’s recognition as New Jersey’s Superintendent of the Year,\u201d said Rutherford Board of Education President Sergio Alati. \u201cHis unwavering commitment to our students and exceptional leadership have truly elevated our district. This award is a testament to his dedication, vision, and the collaborative spirit he fosters within our schools. We are excited to continue building on the strong foundation he has created for our community.\u201d
\nMr. Hurley is in his 47th year at Rutherford Public Schools, where he served as a teacher, supervisor, assistant principal and principal before becoming superintendent.
\nAs superintendent, he implemented the preschool program, an 18-21 transition program, and reorganized schools to allow for more space and an expanded curriculum. Mr. Hurley also oversaw a successful 2019 bond referendum that upgraded buildings and infrastructure.
\nAt the start of the 2024-25 school year, Mr. Hurley and a district advisory board launched the Profile of a Rutherford Graduate to create awareness of the lifelong skills and character lessons taught in the district. The advisory board identified six foundational pieces, referred to as competencies, that encompass a Rutherford education: communication, critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, character and citizenship.
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\nQ&A with New Jersey Superintendent of the Year
\nMr. Hurley has many insights and observations to share from his time as superintendent and serving in other leadership roles in Rutherford Public Schools. <\/p>\n
After dedicating your entire career to NJ education and, specifically, Rutherford Public Schools, what does it mean to be named the NJ Superintendent of the Year?
\nI am honored and overwhelmed by this recognition, but as I said in my comments in Atlantic City (where Mr. Hurley was named one of three Regional Superintendents of the Year on Oct. 23), the recognition is a product of the Board, the entire administrative and supervisory team, faculty staff, students, and the wonderful community of Rutherford. I really do see this as a shared honor not only with my colleagues and the community here in Rutherford but throughout Bergen County, and South Bergen in particular. A lot of wonderful moments happen in our school for students and this honor means people to see the good work the talented staff and students do. <\/p>\n
What is the biggest challenge facing educators right now?
\nThere are many. We’re dealing with what has been dubbed the \u201canxious generation,\u201d and educating the entire child is more important than ever. The continuing growth of technology in our workforce makes it ever more challenging to prepare students for their future. That is why foundational pieces of our programs like critical thinking, creative thinking and collaboration are so important. There’s a growing shortage of teachers in the state. We have to let our young people see the tremendous value being educators brings to them and society. I have always seen education as the greatest profession. We create the foundation for every occupation and help shape the future of our students. <\/p>\n
What are the keys to a well-managed district?
\nA Board of Education that functions as a good board should by ensuring the schools are well run.
\nAdministrators and school leaders who collaborate and strive to have common goals.
\nParents who partner with the schools in their children’s education.
\nDeveloping a strategic plan while always being able to pivot to confront curveballs — a pandemic, a budget crisis, a facility need — without straying too far from the plan.
\nA collaborative faculty and staff who inspire students to be the best they can be.
\nRutherford checks all those boxes. <\/p>\n
What are you proudest of over your time as superintendent?
\nThe changes to our special education program — bringing more students back to district; getting to the goal of each student having a Chromebook two years ahead of schedule, which allowed us to better deal with initial shutdown of school during the pandemic; having school open — full days for elementary and special education students and half-day grades 4-12 during the pandemic; the support of the community in passing the referendum in 2019 and subsequent improvement of facilities; never cutting a program but in fact adding programs despite tight budgets. <\/p>\n
What are your best memories with students from your time as superintendent?
\nConfirming the seniors as graduates at graduation \u2013 it’s a magical moment signifying passage to their next step.
\nElementary school students who, when asked what my job is, say, \u201cYou cancel school when it snows.\u201d <\/p>\n
What do you wish you knew early in your teaching career that you know now?
\nThat time is your friend. Patience is truly a virtue. Kids need time to find themselves and develop skills. So do teachers, administrators and superintendents. <\/p>\n
What advice do you have for those considering a track in school administration?
\nGet involved in your district. Serve on committees, run clubs, direct plays, coach teams, learn from teachers around you and mentor them as well. Learn from the administrators in your building. Remember there are many factors to consider in making a decision, but the major one is always what’s in the best interest of the student. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Leader of K-12 district is now in the running for National Superintendent of the Year Through a five-decade career that has included countless challenges, Rutherford Public Schools Superintendent Mr. Jack Hurley never doubted that he chose the right field. \u201cEducation is the greatest profession,\u201d Mr. Hurley said. \u201cWe create the foundation for every occupation and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":6201,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-6200","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-district-information","8":"entry"},"featured_image_urls":{"medium":"https:\/\/www.rutherfordschools.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/SOY_BOE-300x228.jpg","large":"https:\/\/www.rutherfordschools.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/SOY_BOE-1024x779.jpg","thumbnail":"https:\/\/www.rutherfordschools.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/SOY_BOE-150x150.jpg","medium_large":"https:\/\/www.rutherfordschools.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/SOY_BOE-768x584.jpg","1536x1536":"https:\/\/www.rutherfordschools.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/SOY_BOE-1536x1168.jpg","2048x2048":"https:\/\/www.rutherfordschools.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/SOY_BOE-2048x1557.jpg","home-top":"https:\/\/www.rutherfordschools.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/SOY_BOE-1140x460.jpg","home-bottom":"https:\/\/www.rutherfordschools.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/SOY_BOE-285x160.jpg","sidebar":"https:\/\/www.rutherfordschools.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/SOY_BOE-300x150.jpg","single-featured":"https:\/\/www.rutherfordschools.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/SOY_BOE-680x300.jpg"},"appp_media":null,"yoast_head":"\n