Longtime teacher, principal gets asst. superintendent spot

Brick Township Board of Education members tapped one of the district's own to fill a key administrative position when they named Patricia A. Lorusso as the new assistant superintendent.

Patricia A. Lorusso "In today's ever-changing educational landscape, Ms. Lorusso's vast experience will help support the district's efforts and continue keeping the students, staff and the Brick Township Public School community moving forward," SuperintendentWalter J. Hrycenko said at the Dec. 18 board meeting.

Lorusso, 47, has served as principal of Herbertsville Elementary School for the past six years.

"It's a natural progression," said Lorusso, who has also taught at Veterans Memorial Elementary School.

Lorusso signed her contract following the board's unanimous vote to approve her appointment. The contract runs from Jan. 5, 2009,

through June 30, 2009, and will pay her $136,000 annually. "Ms. Lorusso's strong background in literacy and early childhood education will further assist the district in attaining and exceeding state and federal school requirements," Hrycenko said. Lorusso will report directly to Hrycenko and will supervise the district's directors, principals, assistant principals, supervisors and certified

staff. She will also oversee curriculum development direction and instructional improvement.

Lorusso began her career in Irvington as a first-grade teacher, before coming to Brick in 1985, where she taught second grade at VMES for five years.

Lorusso returned to the district after a fouryear, family leave absence and taught second, third and fifth grades for six years at VMES.

She left Brick in 2000 to become the vice principal at Newbury School in Howell. Lorusso returned to Brick in 2003 to become the principal at Herbertsville Elementary School.

Lorusso has a Bachelor of Arts degree in early childhood education from Kean University and a master's degree in supervision and administration from Georgian Court University, Lakewood. She is also a certified school administrator.

A married mother of two sons, Lorusso lives in Toms River.

With Lorusso's hiring, the district now has permanent employees in its three top administrative positions — superintendent, assistant superintendent and business administrator — for the first time in three years.

"After an extensive and thorough search, we know we have found the right person for the job and the board is looking forward to working with Ms. Lorusso to continue paving the way for student success," Board President Daniel Woska said.

Mary Ann Ceres, who has been serving as an administrative consultant, will remain on until Lorusso's transition into the assistant superintendent position is complete.

District officials said that the search to find Lorusso's successor at Herbertsville Elementary School will begin immediately.