Newark Principal Takes New Job As Lodi Superintendent

NEWARK, NJ — The principal of Oliver Street School in Newark has resigned to take a new job as the superintendent of the Lodi Public School District.

On Tuesday, Douglas Petty thanked the school community and said it was an honor to serve as principal.

Petty wrote:

“It’s with mixed emotions that I write this letter to my Oliver Street School family and community members. I have made the decision to resign as Oliver Street School’s principal. The decision is bittersweet, as I am sad to be leaving such an amazing school, while excited about my new opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. I’m happy to report that I have accepted the superintendent of schools position, leading the Lodi Public School District.

“It has been an honor to serve as your principal, watching so many children grown and develop into such amazing and competent young adults. Right from the onset, I vowed to take Oliver to new heights and provide our students with an experience and education that rivaled any other school. I’m proud that, with your unwavering support and confidence in my leadership, we’ve accomplished our goals and beyond. I’m hopeful that my work at Oliver has validated the importance of education, hard work, believing in yourself and putting your integrity above everything else.

“High standards and expectations, academic performance, co-curricular participation, and responsible citizenship are the foundations of our school. It is with pride that we hold these high standards and ask each of our students to commit to maintaining the extraordinary record of achievement and contribution that has been the legacy of Oliver Street School students. As we move through the 2019-2020 school year and beyond, I am confident in the Oliver leadership and staff to maintain a focus on these standards and expectations, build upon our success, and continue our 151-year tradition of excellence.

“To all of you, I want to say thank you. Thank you for allowing me to take this journey with you. It has defined my life and career and has been nothing short of amazing!”

Petty offered more details about himself in a letter to his new school community in Lodi.

"I would like to start by saying how honored and extremely excited I am about this amazing opportunity to be your Superintendent of Schools. I look forward to getting to know each and every one of you and building our partnership in providing the very best education and experiences for our students of this fine school district.

"A little bit about myself. I’m a proud husband and father. My wife, Cindy and I have two boys, Tyler and Nicholas. I’m hopeful that my appointment to this position inspires them and validates the importance of education, hard work, believing in yourself and putting your integrity above everything else.

"I’ve spent the last 17 years in public education and serving my community in various capacities, including being elected to my local school board. My teaching experience includes a variety of content at various levels, including graduate students at the university level to students in elementary, middle and high school. Since 2013, I’ve served as a public school principal. I am an advocate for children, committed to bettering the lives and education of as many students as I can. Our students are our greatest hopes and they are our greatest dreams.

"There is work to be done and much success to be had. We will have some short-term 'wins,' while others will take some time. However, I am confident that the 'ingredients' for success are already present with us here and now.

"My mission as your Superintendent is also my passion and is the reason I do what I do. That is, ensuring our students are best prepared with the knowledge, habits and skills necessary to pursue and achieve their goals and dreams. With pride and purpose, they will be engaged in a rigorous teaching and learning environment where they will grow intellectually, emotionally and socially."

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Don’t forget to visit the Patch Newark Facebook page. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Sign up for Patch email newsletters.