Retiring Superintendent Receives Fond Farewell

After seven years leading the Livingston School District through two hurricanes, power outages, bear sightings, a Halloween blizzard and much more, Brad Draeger will step down as superintendent at the end of July. 

“Lou Gehrig said it best ... [when] he said, ‘I’m the luckiest guy on the earth,’” Draeger said at a farewell reception for him on Monday. “In many ways, these seven years have amplified those words. I’ve worked with the best students, the best support staff, teachers ... school board members.”

More than 30 people turned out for Draeger’s retirement celebration at Livingston High School on Monday. One after another, school administrators and staff, current and former Board of Education members and local officials thanked him for his leadership during the past seven years. 

The school district’s success can be tied to Draeger’s ability to collaborate with the township government, said Mayor Rudy Fernandez. “It has allowed us to really collaborate and work together,” he added. “It’s been a real pleasure to work with such a great superintendent.” 

Former board member Bonnie Granatir said during her time working with Draeger, she realized he possessed the unique attributes of both a leader and a manager. “How seldom it is that one person really embodies both those skill sets,” she said. 

Draeger was given more than words of thanks, too. President of Healthy Community, Healthy Youth Martha Ackermann presented him with an album of photos taken of him throughout the years. Member of Livingston Old Guard Walter Joyce also made Draeger an honorary member of the club for retired men in the community.  

Draeger was quick to credit the collaborative qualities of the district, township, parents and students for getting through the various large-scale changes to the district during his tenure, such as the expansion of the high school; installation of air conditioning and solar panels at elementary and middle schools; and the addition of 14 elementary school classrooms.  

“By working collectively together with a vision and a steady execution of that vision, the ... school district has achieved and continues to reach new heights,” said Draeger. “Now it’s set for an even great future.”   

The board hired new superintendent John Alfieri in late May to take over for Draeger. The board appointed Alfieri after a nearly six-month search following Draeger’s announcement that he would retire at the end of this school year, ending a 38-year career in public service. 

After the party, Draeger led his final board meeting Monday as the district’s superintendent. He will stay on through July to help Alfieri and the district with the transition.

In addition the retirement reception, the board thanked Draeger – also known as “Brad the Builder” for his work in the district – with a tool belt complete withn tool set and other gadgets, a clock and an official resolution.  

“Being so strong with respect to facilities and construction and we know you probably have a lot of construction work to do at home,” joked Board President Ronnie Spring upon presented Draeger with the tool belt, “and I know Mrs. Draeger’s hoping that too comes under time and under budget.”