Summit Gets A New Schools Superintendent

SUMMIT, NJ — The Summit Board of Education announced on Tuesday the selection of Scott Hough as the next superintendent of the Summit Public Schools, with an anticipated start date of Aug. 17.

He will have a new paradigm to deal with, as just a day earlier, Acting Superintendent of Schools Robert Gardella issued a letter to parents asking them to help their kids build up "mask endurance" by becoming comfortable wearing a mask. Summit schools reopen Monday, Aug. 31.

Hough will be formally announced by the board at its meeting this Thursday. But his hiring is contingent on approval of his contract by the executive county superintendent for Union County.

Hough spent the last 12 years in the New Providence School District, the last five serving as assistant superintendent.

He began his career 26 years ago at a private special education school and then taught for many years in the Bridgewater-Raritan School District. He has been a high school assistant principal, a middle school principal, and a football and baseball coach.

Hough was selected after a search process that began nearly six months ago. The district received more than 50 resumes conducted 26 initial interviews, according to a press release.

The board followed with several rounds of interviews, "each progressively more intense and focused," said a release. "Throughout, Mr. Hough’s passion for student centered education, commitment to excellence, and understanding of the needs and challenges of our entire school community was evident."

“I am proud that my fellow Board members agreed that, despite the current environment, we should continue in earnest to look for the next educational leader for our district,” said Board President Donna Miller. “It was important to us that we remain committed to starting the 2020-2021 school year with a Superintendent in place. Mr. Hough possesses the mindset, skills, knowledge, experiences and temperament that will fold nicely into our district."

Hough received his Bachelor’s Degree from West Chester University, and graduated from The College of New Jersey (formerly Trenton State) with a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership in 2006.

He received the TCNJ research award for his paper on incidents of bullying related to students with special needs.

The board will be sharing “Meet and Greet” plans in the coming weeks for the Summit community to formally welcome Hough to the district.

Other school news:

• Summit High School plans to hold graduation ceremonies on Thursday. Watch Summit Patch for more information Wednesday.
• Here are the recent recommendations from the state regarding students returning to in-person learning in fall.

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