Sea Bright Students: New Superintendent at Shore Regional

After an extensive search and months of interviews, discussions and votes, Shore Regional High School and West Long Branch boards of education have appointed New Egypt Principal Tom Farrell as the new superintendent for both districts in a shared service agreement.

"I am very excited about this opportunity and great challenge," Farrell said in a release. "I truly believe that relationships form the foundation for learning and that no significant learning can take place without a significant relationship. This philosophy forms my foundation on educational leadership."

"I am very thankful and grateful to the West Long Branch Board of Education and the Shore Regional Board of Education for affording me the opportunity to promote this philosophy" he added.

Farrell will begin his duties as superintendent of both school districts on April 15.

Farrell has been employed in the Plumsted Township School District having spent his first three years as a business education teacher in New Egypt High School. He also served three years as the Assistant Principal of New Egypt Middle School, and has been the principal of New Egypt High School for the last five years.

During the 2006-2007 school year, he also served in the capacity of director of Technology and Communications for the district. He served as the the head coach of the school football team for seven years.

Farrell also serves as an adjunct professor of business at Ocean County College in Toms River.

Prior to coming to the Plumsted Township School District, Farrell was an assistant athletic director, business education teacher, and coach at Monsignor Donovan High School.

Farrell is currently in a Doctor of Education Program in Leadership at Creighton University. He has earned an M.B.A. from Monmouth University and a bachelor's degree from Syracuse University.     

Farrell said he is looking forward to working with two boards of education.

"As long as we all keep the students in mind first, we will be successful," Farrell said. "I truly believe that it's relationships, not programs or budgets that change students and make successful schools. A great program simply creates the environment for healthy inter-personal relationships to form between staff and students. Young people thrive when adults care about them on a one-to-one level, and when they have a sense of belonging to a caring community."