Longtime Brick school official named new super
Walter J. Hrycenko has been with district for 20 years
BY DANIELLE MEDINA Correspondent
W alter J. Hrycenko got a standing ovation at the Aug. 28 Brick Township Board of Education meeting after he was named as the district's new superintendent.

Hrycenko, 53, has been an assistant superintendent in the district since 2003.

"I want to thank the board for their confidence in me," Hrycenko said. "I promise to work as hard as I can. This is our district, not my district."

Hrycenko, who assumed the district's superintendent responsibilities at the meeting, will be paid $175,000 annually. His contract with the district runs from Aug. 29 through June 30, 2012.

Hrycenko's annual salary was $136,900 as assistant superintendent.

Board members unanimously approved Hrycenko's appointment. He was one of 28 candidates who applied for the job. The board's search for a new superintendent began in May.

"Mr. Hrycenko is a man with enormous integrity, work ethic and concern for our children, community and the staff," said board member Cynthia McCarthy.

Board member Allen Atheras said that Hrycenko has "a passion and commitment for this district."

"I'm thrilled to work with you and have you guide me through," said Kim Terebush, who was elected to the board in April.

Board Vice President Virginia Reinhold complimented both outgoing interim Superintendent Mary Ann Ceres and Hrycenko.

"When you have a class act at the top, things run smoothly," Reinhold said. "Well, we have another class act at the top."

Ceres was named as an administrative consultant at the meeting, effective Aug. 30, with no change in salary. She was paid $550 a day as the district's interim superintendent.

"I couldn't be prouder," said Ceres. "Having watched how this board worked, I believe they are doing the best for the children and this community."

Board President Daniel J. Woska said that the board will begin its search to fill the nowvacated assistant superintendent position immediately.

Mayor Stephen C. Acropolis said Hrycenko was a good pick for the position.

"He's well respected within the district," Acropolis said. "It's nice because it's a continuity. He's been here a long time. They are promoting from within. Walter is a good guy."

Hrycenko holds a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Fairfield University and two master's degrees — one in education and one in educational administration — from Georgian Court University.

He is also certified as a school administrator, school business administrator, principal, subject supervisor and science teacher.

Hrycenko began his career as a science teacher at Christian Brothers Academy, and taught at Monsignor Donovan High School before coming to Brick in 1998 as the district science supervisor.

A Toms River resident, Hrycenko is married and has three children.

The school district's last permanent superintendent was Thomas L. Seidenberger, who was hired in November 2002 and resigned in July 2007 in order to head the East Penn school district near his Lehigh County (Pa.) home.

Two interim superintendents — Melindo A. Persi and Ceres — have headed the district from July 2007 to August 2008.