November Marks Transition Period for Lacey Township School District

It was decided at a Lacey Township Board of Education meeting last night that Assistant Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Vanessa Clark, will fill the duties of Lacey’s Superintendent on an interim basis for the next two weeks – after which, the district’s next leader, , begins her full-time tenure in the position on Nov. 15.

“It was confirmed with us through Dr. Brower that she has been released from her duties in Wall, and the soonest she will be able to begin with us is Nov. 15,” said board president Jack Martenak. “Until that time, our Assistant Superintendent Dr. Clark was more than willing to step in and handle the duties that come with being superintendent.”

Martenak explained that although no time-sensitive or pressing issues appear to be facing the district in the next fortnight, Clark would be directly involved in the payment of vouchers and personnel matters – all regular duties attended to by the Superintendent of Schools. 

“Dr. Clark has served as our Assistant Superintendent for three years, and has been in the Lacey Township School District for seven years in total. She’s very qualified,” Martenak stated. 

Meanwhile, Brower is anticipating joining the Lacey Township School District later this month. “I couldn’t be more excited to meet the school district staff, students, parents and members of the community,” Brower said. 

Brower comes to Lacey from the Wall Township School District, where she served as assistant superintendent. In all, Brower has more than 22 years of experience in public school education, as she also previously served as the assistant superintendent of Schools in Freehold Township, plus as a principal, business administrator and a language arts teacher at the middle school level in Point Pleasant Borough. 

The soon-to-be-superintendent explained that she wanted to bring that prior experience to Lacey schools, and outlined some goals that she would like to achieve. “I’d like to be a part of this great school community, and implement advances in technology as well as innovative techniques in special education,” Brower stated. “I want everyone to know that I can’t wait to get started, and gain a sense of perspective of what’s happening in the Lacey Township schools. I’d like to get involved with the community, both inside and outside the classroom.” 

Brower resides in Monmouth County with her husband, where they are raising their 13-year-old son. She holds a bachelor of arts degree in Education and a masters in administration supervision and curriculum planning from Georgian Court University, as well as a doctorate in educational leadership from Nova Southeastern University.

The Lacey Township Board of Education began their search for a new Superintendent of Schools this past May, when the longtime holder of that position, . Starodub’s last day of service to the Lacey Township School District was Oct. 31.