Provided/New Ocean City Superintendent of Schools Matthew Friedman addresses the Board of Education.
OCEAN CITY – The Board of Education announced the selection of a new superintendent to lead the district.
Matthew Friedman will become the new superintendent of schools in July and will take over from Thomas Baruffi, who has been the acting superintendent since the retirement of Kathleen Taylor last year.
“The Ocean City School District has a long history of excellence and I look forward to seeing the future growth and development of the district under Dr. Friedman’s leadership,” Board of Education President Dr. Patrick Kane said in a statement. “His innovative approach to education, communication skills, and strong sense of family will fit well with our community.”
He has 23 years of experience in education. He is currently assistant superintendent of the South Orange-Maplewood School District in Essex County.
Matthew Friedman
A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University and other distinguished universities, Friedman has a diverse educational background that will provide a wealth of experience to his new role, according to a release.
“I am honored to be the new superintendent of the Ocean City school district and am looking forward to partnering with our students, educators, school board, families and community in accomplishing the district’s mission of continued excellence by inspiring critical thinking, fostering intellectual curiosity, and promoting acceptance of individuals.” Friedman said. “This allows our students to achieve their full potential as responsible, contributing citizens of an ever changing global community.”
With a passion for education, Friedman brings his guiding principles to the Ocean City school district. He believes that service to others, integrity, inclusiveness, equity, and collaboration are vital in effective leadership, according to the release.
He is a married father with three children – Hannah, 10, Rachel, 8, and 5-year-old Ethan.
The Pittsburgh native lists visiting every Major League Baseball park as a bucket list item.
The Board of Education was presented with a strong slate of candidates and received applications from across the U.S.
In partnership with Strategic Educational Advantage, a superintendent search firm, the board set a high bar knowing the Ocean City community deserves a superintendent who can not only meet their expectations, but exceed them, the release states.
“This is a pivotal time for the Ocean City school district, I fully embrace this opportunity to lead and will be a catalyst for growth in the district and the community” Friedman said.
