The Cranford Board of Education is seeking an experienced and visionary superintendent who demonstrates  exceptional skills in promoting academic excellence and community engagement. The Superintendent of the Cranford Public School District must be an open communicator with our dedicated administrators, faculty & staff, our families, and community.  Our excellent District is never satisfied with the status quo, and we are looking for a leader who will continue to elevate the learning experience for all Cranford students to new heights.

 

About Our District

 

The Cranford Public School District is the pride of Cranford, a vibrant river town in the heart of Union County, which is consistently rated among The Best Places to Live in New Jersey.  Our tightly-knit community works together:  our District boasts a high degree of parental involvement though our active PTAs, and we value our solid partnerships with local law enforcement, civic and veterans’ groups, local universities, and the Cranford Fund for Educational Excellence, all of which strengthen our District so that we can offer our students enhancements to their educational experiences that are unique to Cougar Country.   

We are a high-achieving school district. CPS embraces cutting-edge educational practices and technologies, continually evolving our teaching methods to meet the needs of today’s learners. This focus on innovation ensures that our curriculum remains relevant and engaging, preparing students for a rapidly changing world. Central to our programs are relevant, real-world learning experiences that stimulate and encourage curiosity, effective communication, and goal setting and problem-solving skills while providing opportunities that promote creativity, self-expression, and an appreciation of diversity. Our high school boasts numerous dual enrollment classes, internships, and career academies offering coursework tailored to student interests.  We also offer myriad extracurricular activities at all of our schools.

CPS prioritizes a comprehensive approach to education that nurtures not only the academic growth of our students but also their emotional, social, and physical development.  Mental health is a strong focus in our District and we offer an impressive number of programs to address student wellbeing.  We are dedicated to creating a safe, supportive and nurturing environment for all students; each of our schools has been designated as “No Place for Hate” by the Anti-Defamation League.  We are equally supportive of our high-achieving staff, who are the backbone of the educational process.  Our teachers are regularly recognized on the national, state, county, and local levels.

The District is entering a critical phase, with a large-scale referendum recently approved. This will involve significant building additions and facility upgrades. The superintendent must have the ability to oversee complex construction projects in collaboration with the business administrator, ensuring responsible fiscal management and alignment with educational goals.

 

District Profile

• PreK- grade 12
• 3,789 students
• Seven school buildings:
  • Walnut Avenue School, grades Pk-2
  • Bloomingdale Avenue School, grades K-2
  • Brookside Place School, grades K-5
  • Hillside Avenue School, grades K-8
  • Livingston Avenue School, grades 3-5
  • Orange Avenue School, grades 3-8
  • Cranford High School, grades 9-12
  • CAP, CAMP, and LEAP alternative programs (grades K-12) are housed at Lincoln Avenue School
• Team of 28 administrators
• 404 certificated staff, 254 non-certificated staff
• Budget of $86.7 million
• Nine-member elected Board of Education

 

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for a leader with a proven track record in curriculum design, implementation, and assessment, as well as the ability to drive and sustain long-term strategic initiatives.  A deep commitment to equity and meeting the needs of all students—including those receiving special education services—is essential.  Our superintendent must be abundantly collaborative and must sustain strong community partnerships and relationships with all of our stakeholder groups. 

Candidates should bring strong leadership in staff development, budgeting and financial management, talent recruitment, performance evaluation, and human resource management.  The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to sustain a supportive and empowering work culture that attracts, retains, and nurtures high-quality educators. Those who have a history of inspiring excellence in others within a collaborative, inclusive educational environment will be given the strongest consideration.  We require highly ethical candidates who are committed to student safety and who exhibit exceptionally transparent and effective communication skills.

 

 Qualifications

• NJ School Administrator Certificate of Certificate of Eligibility required
• Successful Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent experience strongly preferred
• Experience in Central Office and Principal / school-based leadership roles strongly preferred
• Significant classroom teaching experience, to ensure a grounded understanding of instructional practice and teacher support, strongly preferred
• Experience in a similar district to Cranford highly desired
• Experience in strategic planning and modernization projects highly desired
• History of promoting high levels of student achievement and improving student outcomes strongly desired
• Expertise in community engagement is a must.

 

Position Start Date:   January 1, 2026

Application Deadline:  Friday, July 11, 2025 by 11:59pm EDST

 

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and proof of certification, and two most recent performance evaluations to KathleenHelewa.edu@gmail.com.   Please include “Cranford Superintendent” in the subject line.  All applications will be acknowledged within 24 business hours of receipt.

 

Search facilitated by Kathleen Helewa Educational Consultants, LLC.   For questions and inquiries, email KathleenHelewa.edu@gmail.com or call 908 642 7464.

 

The Cranford Public School District is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.