Brick Superintendent Honored For District's Improvements

BRICK, NJ — Brick Township Superintendent Thomas G. Farrell has been honored by a state association as a regional superintendent of the year.

Farrell, who is in his fifth year as superintendent of the Brick Township School District, was named Region III Superintendent of the Year for 2025 by the New Jersey Association of School Administrators, the district and the association announced.

"Dr. Farrell is being recognized for his exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication to educational excellence, and innovative approach to fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment," said Richard G. Bozza, executive director of the NJASA.

"Under his guidance, his District has seen significant improvements in student performance, teacher development, and community engagement," Bozza said. "Dr. Farrell is committed to implementing forward-thinking policies and has an ability to inspire both staff and students alike."

Farrell, who has been a superintendent for 12 years total, began his tenure in Brick in March 2020, just days before schools across the state were shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The pandemic coupled with the negative effects of S2 on the Brick School District certainly posed a challenge that Dr. Farrell met with courage, resilience, and positivity," the announcement said. "Dr. Farrell is a proven strategic leader in education, whose leadership skills translate organizational strategies into results in the best interest of all stakeholders."

Farrell, who serves as president of the Ocean County Association of School Administrators, and the other two regional superintendents of the year will now be considered for the New Jersey superintendent of the year, and that person will be eligible for consideration as the national superintendent of the year.

"This accomplishment recognizes Dr. Farrell’s exceptional leadership and commitment to providing student-centered instruction through teacher-led practice in a learning environment that fosters academic growth and interpersonal relationships," the announcement said. "It recognizes the Strategic Planning process, led by Dr. Farrell, which has garnered input from our community of stakeholders to cultivate greater support for our schools; thereby making Brick schools a proud extension of the community."