Lacey Resident Taking Lead in Barnegat District

The Lacey resident and West Long Branch superintendent selected to be the next head of the Barnegat School District said she is excited to start in her new position next month.

Karen Wood, 40, oversaw the day-to-day activities of the kindergarten-through-eighth-grade Monmouth County district for the last three years. Wood previously served as a vice principal in Galloway Township for two years and principal in Absecon for five years. She began her education career as a music teacher in Lacey Township.

Now she is heading back to teach closer to home and tackle the challenge of managing a larger school district.

"I'm really excited for the opportunity to be in Barnegat, and I'm looking forward to the K-12 experience and everything Barnegat has to offer," said Wood, who leaves West Long Branch June 30 and begins in Barnegat July 5.

She said that while superintendent in West Long Branch, she put an emphasis on improving students writing skills, and is proud of the success the district achieved.

Her greatest challenge as a superintendent, she said, were the "stringent regulations imposed on school districts."

"Striking a balance between fiscal responsibility and providing a great education for children is always one of the biggest challenges," she said. 

Still, Wood said she feels she will have great success in Barnegat.

"Barnegat is well established and has some great potential as a model district for Ocean County," said Wood.