Permanent Superintendent Hired In Glen Rock

GLEN ROCK, NJ — A permanent schools superintendent has been hired to replace interim Superintendent Bruce Watson.

The Board of Education announced the hiring of Dr. Brett Charleston at its meeting Tuesday. Charleston takes over for Waston July 1.

"With the appointment of Dr. Charleston, the board is confident we have found an innovative and progressive leader who will continue to improve our schools and meet the needs of all our students," said Sharon Scarpelli, board president.

Charleston said Tuesday at a board meeting he could "think of no better place for me to serve as the superintendent than Glen Rock."

Charleston has been superintendent of the Pequannock Public School District for about four years. Before that he was principal of Pequannock, Bridgewater, and Egg Harbor high schools. His first administrative position was athletic director in Egg Harbor.

"I strive to be an informed leader, one that will make decisions in the best interest of the students, to ensure we are doing everything possible to provide them with a world-class education with opportunities where excellence is the standard for everything they do," Charleston said. "It is a privilege and an honor to be chosen as the leader of such an outstanding school district."

Charleston pushed for an increase in technology while leading Pequannock schools. The district implemented a one-to-one Chromebook program in the middle and high schools.

The district hosts a technology summit annually in October, with nationally-known keynote speakers and more than 35 teacher-run workshops focused on technology integration that more than 500 teachers attend.

Charleston has a bachelor's degree in social studies from Elizabethtown College, a master's in special education and educational leadership from Holy Family University, and a doctorate in K-12 educational administration from the College of Saint Elizabeth. He is married and has a daugther.

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com