New Superintendent Selected To Lead Bernards Township Schools

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — A new superintendent was chosen to lead the Bernards Township School District.

On Monday night, the Bernards Township Board of Education unanimously appointed Kristin Fox as Superintendent of Schools effective Sept. 1, 2026, and approved her contract through June 30, 2030.

Fox will be replacing Superintendent Nick Markarian, who is retiring.

During the meeting, resident Frank Klaus pointed out that Fox's salary was not noted on the Board agenda.

"I noticed we have a pretty big agenda item and a four-year contract going to the new superintendent, but we neglected to say what that contract holds. And how that pay compares to an outgoing superintendent with a couple decades of experience?" asked Klaus.

Markarian responded that Fox's "starting salary is $230,000. Relative to the existing superintendent, that is myself, notably less. I think in terms of compensation, consideration was given to similar positions recently being approved by similar school districts and Boards of Ed."

Markarian told Patch Fox's salary after the first year will include annual raises to that base salary of 2.5 percent, 2.5 percent, and 2.75 percent.

This is in comparison to Markarian's salary as of 2026, which is $255,000.

Board President Jennifer White said, "I am thrilled … to be able to introduce Kiristen Fox as our next superintendent. Ms. Fox is our successful candidate among dozens of applicants due to her outstanding skill set, experience, and knowledge of our district."

White said Fox began her career as a high school social studies teacher in Maine and New Jersey, later served as a social studies supervisor in West Essex, and held the same position in Bernards Township from 2008 to 2018 before being promoted to assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction.

Fox has spent 18 years in Bernards Township and has developed knowledge of district programs and operations.

White also said Fox holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Maine and Southern Maine and is working on a Doctorate at Drew University.

After the vote, Fox thanked the board for its support.

"I am grateful that you are trusting me to pick up the torch for when Mr. Markarian lays it down at the end of the summer in order to go pursue his dreams," said Fox.

Fox said the district is working through budget challenges and said another major priority is the "Restoring Focus Initiative."

"I am especially proud of our district’s long-standing commitment to supporting students' mental health and wellbeing," said Fox. "The Restoring Focus Initiative is committed to this goal and is here navigating together with families the impact of technology on student learning."

Fox concluded by saying, "While those may be two of our biggest priorities, there are many more, and I am ready to move into this position and focus on all of our goals and priorities."

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