No Contract Extension Leads To Edison Schools Superintendent Leaving

EDISON, NJ — Superintendent of Edison Township Public Schools announced he will be leaving the school district after negotiations on a contract extension failed.

In a letter to the community, Bernard F Bragen said he will be taking a new position in another school district.

“My efforts to secure a contract extension to the maximum limit permissible were unsuccessful. As a result, I am writing this letter to inform all of you that I have been offered a superintendent position for the maximum contract length in another district,” Bragen said.

“The details of this contract are currently being finalized, and I will be approved at their next board of education meeting in September.”

Bragen told the community that being the superintendent of Edison Schools was the “pinnacle” of his career as an educator and that he had planned to remain in the district until he retired “at age 67.”

“Stability in my personal life and the welfare of my three girls are always first and foremost in my mind. As parents, I know that you all understand this,” he said.

“I am proud of what we accomplished under my leadership, and I am proud of what we have done during my tenure. I feel the district is in much better condition than when I started. I wish the district the best in finding a new superintendent and hope that the district will continue to grow and improve, building upon the foundation we formed.”

Bragen was hired on a three-year contract ending June 30, 2023. In 2020, he asked the Board for an extension of two years but was given one year instead.

At the Board meeting held in October 2020, an overwhelming number of parents and guardians from the school district urged the Board to extend Bragen’s contract to full five years. More: Edison Schools Extend Superintendent's Contract By A Year

Bragen said the reason he asked for an extension was to show the community that he is committed to Edison.

The Superintendent thanked the community for their support.

“I am extremely grateful for all the support our parents and broader community have shown me during my time in Edison, and I am a better person for having been a part of this community,” Bragen said.

Bragen graduated from Edison High School and served as assistant principal at John P. Stevens High School from 2004-2005.

He previously served as Superintendent of Hazlet Township Public Schools from November 2011 to December 2017, and as assistant superintendent from November 2007 to October 2011. He was also assistant professor/program director at Monmouth University.

The Edison Board of Education will be meeting at 7 p.m. on Tuesday.

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