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Rutherford Public Schools Superintendent Jack Hurley, who has spent nearly 50 years in education, was named the state's top superintendent on Monday, Oct. 28 by the New Jersey Association of School Administrators.
The American Association of School Administrators will choose the National Superintendent of the Year from among the statewide winners in March.
Hurley never doubted that he chose the right field.
“Education is the greatest profession,” Hurley said. “We create the foundation for every occupation and help shape the future of our students.”
That passion for education sparked many successful initiatives in the Rutherford district and now, a statewide distinction for Hurley.
Hurley is in his 47th year at Rutherford Public Schools, where he served as a teacher, supervisor, assistant principal and principal before becoming superintendent.
As superintendent, he implemented the preschool program, an 18-21 transition program, and reorganized schools to allow for more space and an expanded curriculum. Hurley also oversaw a successful 2019 bond referendum that upgraded buildings and infrastructure.
At the start of the 2024-25 school year, 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.
Q&A with New Jersey Superintendent of the Year Jack Hurley
Q: 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?
A: I am honored and overwhelmed by this recognition, but as I said in my comments in Atlantic City (where 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.
What is the biggest challenge facing educators right now?
There are many. We're dealing with what has been dubbed the “anxious generation,” 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.
What are the keys to a well-managed district?
A Board of Education that functions as a good board should by ensuring the schools are well run.
Administrators and school leaders who collaborate and strive to have common goals.
Parents who partner with the schools in their children's education.
Developing 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.
A collaborative faculty and staff who inspire students to be the best they can be.
Rutherford checks all those boxes.
What are you proudest of over your time as superintendent?
The 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.
What are your best memories with students from your time as superintendent?
Confirming the seniors as graduates at graduation – it's a magical moment signifying passage to their next step.
Elementary school students who, when asked what my job is, say, “You cancel school when it snows.”
What do you wish you knew early in your teaching career that you know now?
That time is your friend. Patience is truly a virtue. Kids need time to find themselves and develop skills. So do teachers, administrators and superintendents.
What advice do you have for those considering a track in school administration?
Get 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.
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