Branchburg Vice Principal Brings 'Energy' to Bedminster

He has eight years of experience in the local public schools, and prior experience at the university level—and now Branchburg’s Whiton Elementary School vice principal Corby Swan is preparing to take on the position of principal at the Bedminster Township School.

“I am extremely excited about this opportunity to be the principal at Bedminster Township School,” he said. “I am looking forward to meeting new people, building new relationships, getting involved in the community and assisting the school and district in reaching new heights.”

Swan said he saw the posting for the job both on the Internet and in the newspapers, and was told by some of his peers that he should apply.

“They thought I would be a great fit for this particular school and district,” he said. “I heard many positive things about the district, and was excited for the opportunity to interview for the position.”

After graduating from the Somerville Public School system, Swan attended Wilkes University, in Pennsylvania, where he earned his undergraduate degree, and two Master’s degrees in classroom technology and educational leadership.

In his first job, Swan—who currently lives in Somerville with his 8-year-old son, Quincy—worked as the director of intramural activities and assistant basketball coach at Wilkes University.

Eight years ago, Swan said, he moved to the Branchburg public schools, starting as a middle school teacher for four-and-a-half years, before he was appointed to the position of vice principal to replace a retiring employee.

“I stayed in that position for the next two-and-a-half years,” he said. “I then asked our superintendent if I could transfer to our pre-kindergarten through third grade elementary school so that I could gain some experience at the elementary level.”

Swan said he has been there for one year, and is now preparing to make the switch to Bedminster as soon as someone is chosen to replace him.

As he prepares to make the switch, Swan said he is especially excited to be part of a school where the same students stay in the building until they enter high school.

“There are many positives to all of the students in the district being in one school,” he said. “It gives me the opportunity to know students and parents for a longer period of time, which is something that I am truly excited about.”

At this point, Swan said, he can’t really imagine what kinds of changes he might make to the school as a whole. It will take him some time, he said, to get acclimated to the community.

“I won’t know what changes will be made until I have spent some time in the school and community, but I am looking forward to getting started,” he said.

And Swan said he is preparing to bring that excitement to his new position.

“I will bring passion, energy and enthusiasm for helping all students succeed,” he said. “I also plan to bring the fun aspect of being a school principal to Bedminster.”

“I plan to bring all of my expertise and leadership skills in the area of school leadership that I learned in my previous district,” he added.