Brodow Attends Final BOE Meeting as Superintendent

Millburn Schools Supt. Richard Brodow's final day before retiring is Wednesday, but Monday night marked his final Board of Education meeting.

Brodow gave a long list of thank yous to staff, parents and others who have supported him during his eight years as the district's chief school administrator duirng his final superintendent's report Monday night.

When he came to the district in 2002, New Jersey Magazine ranked Millburn High School at 13. Two years ago the high school was ranked tops in the state. Brodow credited the ranking, one which he predicts the district will retain in the fall, through the hard work of teachers, students and with the support of parents and the community. He said he hopes he had some small part in helping the district acheive things like the top ranking.

"Today, half a century later, I retire with my dream realized," Brodow said of his dream of wanting to be a teacher since he was a teen. "I thank Millburn for making my years here a joy."

Others thanked Brodow for his service to the district. Lise Chapman, a board member, gave Brodow a book of crossword puzzles, something he enjoys to do, and a miniature zen garden. She joked she wanted to get him copies of the DVDs of the board meetings from his eight-year tenure. There may have been disagreements, but there has always been respect in order to find the best thing for the district, she said.

Debra Fox, a board member, said as a kid she didn't know her superintendent as someone other than the person who got the snow days wrong. The same was true when she was a teacher. It wasn't until she became a parent in Millburn did she realize what a superintendent should be like based on how accessible Brodow has been to parents and students.