Matthew Friedman comes from Essex County district
OCEAN CITY – The Ocean City Board of Education announced Dr. Matthew Friedman as the next superintendent of the Ocean City School District.
“The Ocean City School District has a long history of excellence and I look forward to seeing the future growth and development of the district under Dr. Friedman’s leadership” Dr. Patrick Kane, Ocean City Board of Education president, said last week. “His innovative approach to education, communication skills and strong sense of family will fit well with our community.”
Friedman, currently the assistant superintendent of the South Orange and Maplewood School District in Essex County, brings to the Ocean City School District more than 23 years in educational experience.
According to the school district’s website, the district serves more than 7,200 students in 10 schools – one high school, two middle schools, six elementary schools and an early-childhood center. Its highlights include national recognition as one of the top 100 communities for music education four years in a row, and recognition for academics, athletics, fine and performing arts, high school publications and robotics team.
A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University and other distinguished universities, Friedman’s diverse educational background will provide a wealth of experience to his new role.
“I am honored to be the new superintendent of the Ocean City School District and am looking forward to partnering with our students, educators, school board, families and community in accomplishing the district’s mission of continued excellence by inspiring critical thinking, fostering intellectual curiosity and promoting acceptance of individuals,” Friedman said. “This allows our students to achieve their full potential as responsible, contributing citizens of an ever-changing global community.”
With a passion for education, Friedman brings his guiding principles to the Ocean City School District. He believes that service to others, integrity, inclusiveness, equity, and collaboration are vital in effective leadership. He is not only a veteran educator, but a proud husband, and father of three children, Hannah, 10, Rachel, 8, and Ethan, 5. He is a Pittsburgh native who lists visiting every MLB ballpark as a bucket list item.
The Board of Education was presented with a strong slate of candidates for the position of superintendent of schools, receiving applications from across the United States. In partnership with Strategic Educational Advantage (SEA), a superintendent search firm, the Board of Education set a high bar, knowing the Ocean City community deserves a superintendent who can not only meet their expectations, but exceed them, according to a press release from the school board.
“This is a pivotal time for the Ocean City School District. I fully embrace this opportunity to lead and will be a catalyst for growth in the district and the community,” Friedman said.