Mamaroneck Union Free School District Names New Superintendent

MAMARONECK, NY — Mamaroneck schools has tapped the chief of one of New Jersey's largest suburban school systems to helm the school system following the retirement of its current superintendent.

The Mamaroneck Board of Education announced the selection of Charles Sampson, the current head of the Freehold Regional High School District in New Jersey, as the next Superintendent of the Mamaroneck Union Free School District. The board said that it is anticipated that Sampson will begin his employemet on November 1. Sampson will succeed longtime Mamaroneck Superintendent Robert Shaps, who will retire in December.

"We are excited to welcome Dr. Sampson to the Mamaroneck schools," Board of Education President Ariana Cohen said, announcing the selection. "We are confident that his 15 years of experience as a successful Superintendent of two high-performing school districts, together with his prior administrative experiences, makes him the ideal successor to lead our district into its next chapter. Under the leadership of Dr. Shaps, our district has been widely recognized for its hands-on learning opportunities for students. We deeply appreciate his dedication and tireless advocacy of our district."

Sampson began serving as Superintendent of the Freehold District in 2011. During his tenure, the district was named by Forbes Magazine as one of "America’s Best-in-State Employers."

The Freehold District has more than 10,000 students and 1,300 staff members. Prior to becoming superintendent, Sampson served as Supervisor of Social Studies K-12, as a high school assistant principal and as a high school principal in the district.

Sampson was selected as one of the "100 Future Ready Superintendents" by President Obama and the Department of Educational Technology. In 2017, he was named Monmouth County Superintendent of the Year. In 2018, he was named New Jersey Region II Superintendent of the Year. Sampson was also presented with a Distinguished Service Award by the New Jersey Association of School Administrators in May 2022.

"I am very proud of all that has been accomplished in the Freehold Regional District," Sampson said. "We expanded access to higher level courses, improved outcomes, and developed and implemented special education programs that were recognized for innovations in special education. We also increased career and technical education opportunities, introducing district pathway programs. including web design, health professions and cybersecurity, while launching a successful International Baccalaureate program at two high schools."

The selection of Sampson marks the culmination of a nationwide, six-month search led by Hazard, Young, Attea and Associates. The board conducted in-depth interviews with candidates using the feedback from the community to guide their questions.

Sampson earned a B.A. in History and a B.S. in Administration from Caldwell College and his Ed.D in Educational Leadership from Seton Hall University. Sampson also serves as an adjunct professor at Montclair State University where he instructs classes on change of leadership, supervision and ethical decision-making.

Sampson and his wife Janet, a high school social studies teacher, are parents of four children currently in middle and high school with the oldest heading to college in the fall.

Sampson and his wife met when they were both coaching girls lacrosse and have continued to coach their children's sports, even serving together as co-program directors of their local youth lacrosse program.

Sampson will be formally introduced at a welcome reception on June 20, following his formal appointment by the Board of Education.