Superintendent Of Edison School District Takes Job In Virginia

EDISON, NJ — Superintendent Bernard F Bragen will be heading to Virginia to lead Montgomery County Public Schools. The Montgomery County School Board approved Bragen’s contract during Tuesday’s meeting.

Bragen is expected to begin his new appointment in December or earlier.

“The School Board is excited to make this announcement,” Sue Kass, chairwoman of the Montgomery County School Board said in a statement. “We look forward to the leadership, dedication, and commitment to collaboration that Dr. Bragen will bring to the students, staff, and families in our County.”

The district has 20 schools and serves 9,698 students.

"I am extremely grateful and excited to be given this opportunity," Bragen said. “I believe that I can add value to the district and assist it on its path to excellence.”

On Monday, Bragen told the school community he will be leaving the district after negotiations on a contract extension failed.

He 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 at 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 in a letter to the community. More: No Contract Extension Leads To Edison Schools Superintendent Leaving

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.

A graduate of Edison High School, Bragen served as assistant principal at John P. Stevens High School from 2004-2005.

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

Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com