Brick Schools Keep Midstreams Principal In Place

BRICK, NJ — Dr. John Billen is staying put as principal of Midstreams Elementary School.

In June, Billen was scheduled to be moved from Midstreams to serve as principal at Veterans Memorial Elementary School when the Brick Township Board of Education considered personnel moves.

But parents of students at Midstreams were upset enough that they started a petition to ask the board not to move Billen.

"Dr. Billen has created a warm, welcoming environment that fosters a sense of family and community in our school. Our children have thrived under his leadership," the petition said.

Thursday night, the board was asked to approve administrator changes, and that list of changes this time elevated Veterans Memorial Elementary assistant principal Colleen Kerr to principal of the school.

On the June agenda, Kerr was listed to be moved to Midstreams.

Billen's name was not on the list, meaning he is staying put at Midstreams.

After the board approved the changes, Gialanella congratulated Kerr on the promotion to principal at Veterans Memorial Elementary.