The Ocean City Board of Education has selected a new superintendent to lead the district.
Dr. Matthew Friedman will become the new Schools Superintendent in July. Dr. Tom Baruffi has been the acting superintendent since the retirement of Dr. 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.
Dr. Kane continued, “His innovative approach to education, communication skills, and strong sense of family will fit well with our community.”
Dr. Friedman brings to the Ocean City School District more than 23 years in the education world. His most recent position is assistant superintendent at the South Orange-Maplewood School District in Essex County, N.J.
Video courtesy of SOMATelevision.
A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University and other distinguished universities, he has a diverse educational background that will provide a wealth of experience to his new role, according to a school 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.
He continued, “This allows our students to achieve their full potential as responsible, contributing citizens of an ever-changing global community.”
With a passion for education, Dr. Friedman brings his guiding principles to the Ocean City School District, the release says. He believes that service to others, integrity, inclusiveness, equity, and collaboration are vital in effective leadership.
He is not only a longtime educator, but a husband and father of three, Hannah, 10, Rachel, 8, and 5-year-old son, Ethan.
Dr. Friedman is a Pittsburgh native who lists visiting every Major League Baseball park as a bucket list item.
The Board of Education was presented with a strong slate of candidates for the position of Schools Superintendent, receiving applications from across the United States.
In partnership with Strategic Educational Advantage (SEA), a superintendent search firm, the Board of Education 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” Dr. Friedman said.
