Montclair Gets New Interim School Superintendent: Barbara Pinsak

MONTCLAIR, NJ — There’s a new interim superintendent in the Montclair Public School District: Barbara Pinsak.

On Tuesday, Montclair school administrators announced that Pinsak has been named the Interim Superintendent of the Montclair Public Schools after a unanimous decision from the Board of Education.

Pinsak will take over her new post on March 17, officials said.

“We are privileged that Barbara Pinsak will be stepping in as Interim Superintendent to bridge the gap for us while we continue the search for a permanent Superintendent,” Board President Jessica de Koninck said. “We will continue to interview candidates for the permanent position. In the meantime, Ms. Pinsak comes to us with extensive school administrator experience as she recently retired this past August from Teaneck Public Schools. We are delighted to have her.”

Pinsak said that she was honored to be chosen for the job.

“Montclair has the reputation for excellence and innovation in the state of New Jersey and beyond… I am so pleased to be able to contribute any expertise and experience I have to this wonderful district,” Pinsak said.

According to Montclair school administrators, Pinsak’s career in education spans more than 40 years.

“She has dedicated her career to helping students and providing leadership in public education,” administrators stated. “With the exception of one year teaching in her hometown in Illinois, she began in Teaneck Public Schools as an elementary teacher, teacher of gifted and talented, technology instructional leader and technology resource teacher and rose through the ranks holding positions of Supervisor, Elementary and Middle School Principal, Assistant Superintendent and finally Superintendent from 2011 to 2016.”

According to administrators, Pinsak has received numerous honors during her career including: Educator of the Year Award in 2013 from the Teaneck Chamber of Commerce, Education Service Award 2013 from the Voorhees Street Association, and she was recognized for Educational Service by the Teaneck Township Council in 2016.

Her professional affiliations include New Jersey Association of School Administrators, American Association of School Administrators, Northern New Jersey Network to close the Achievement Gaps, and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

Photo: Montclair Public School District

Send local news tips, photos and press releases to eric.kiefer@patch.com