Summit Schools Superintendent Chang Plans To Leave At End Of Year

SUMMIT, NJ — The Summit School District announced Tuesday that Schools Superintendent June Chang will leave at the end of the year, as he plans to move out of state to "pursue opportunities that accommodate the changing needs of his family."

[UPDATE: It was reported Feb. 3 that Chang will be heading to a similar job on Long Island; see story here.]

Board of Education President Vanessa Primack complimented the superintendent on various accomplishments and said he was "committed to a love of learning among all students."

Chang's last day will be June 30.

Primack released a letter about the changes ahead. She wrote:

"Mr. Chang has made this decision based on personal needs and he intends to move out of state. While we are sorry to see him leave our district and the State of New Jersey, we wish him and his wife Sophia all the best and every future success.
"The Board of Education will now undertake one of its most important tasks: Hiring a Superintendent of Schools. Allow me to highlight the mindset and actions of the board that will ensure that our school district continues to be a place dedicated to fostering academic success.
● First, be assured that our charge and commitment have not changed. Student achievement and well-being remains our focus and will guide our process and decisions in the coming months.
● We remain committed to our shared path of continued growth in the areas of: 1) Curriculum and Programming; 2) STEAM; 3) Support for Teachers and Teaching Practices; 4) Effective Use of Data, and; 5) Career and Social Readiness.
● We continue to rely on the exceptional people that make our district what it is. Our administrative cabinet is first class, our building principals, vice-principals and our district curriculum supervisors are high caliber, our teachers and staff members at every level excel. We are a very fortunate district and that good fortune keeps our district on course and stable throughout this change.
● The board will engage a firm to assist in the search for the next Superintendent. This will be done through a Request for Proposal.
● The board will engage in a rigorous interview process with highly qualified candidates who demonstrate that they understand and share our community’s vision of and commitment to excellence in education. The Board anticipates that the search process will involve input from all stakeholders to ensure the selection of a candidate who demonstrates a strong ability to partner with and serve as a cohesive and collaborative force in our community. The manner in which our search takes shape will be shared in more detail when it is fully planned.
● Throughout the process the Board will keep the public updated. I will use the President’s Announcements section of our board meetings to share information. Once the search firm has been engaged and a plan adopted please expect a letter from me that will: 1) outline the plan; and, 2) highlight how I will continue to communicate with you about that plan.
"Together with the board, I will work diligently to maintain transparency. I look forward to keeping you all informed and engaged in this important endeavor.
"While we have time to thank Mr. Chang for his service to the Summit Public Schools before his departure, I would like to offer him our appreciation for his dedication to the district and commitment to education."