Livingston Public Schools superintendent Matthew Block has announced he will be retiring from public education inNew Jersey after 25 years. He will start a new position as the superintendent of schools in Ardsley,NewYorkonorabout July 1.
Block joined Livingston Public Schools in July 2019. During his time as superintendent, he implemented a number of important initiatives, including a five-year strategic plan and a long-range facilities plan.
“Under Dr. Block’s leadership, the tools and resources to help prepare high school students to navigate the increasingly competitive college application process were strengthened,” the district said in a statement. “The district also increased the focus on intervention services and mental health resources to promote a supportive and nurturing learning environment for all students. Additionally, actionable steps were taken to enhance a culture of equity and inclusivity across the district.”
In a letter to the community, Block said, “This community opened its arms to me and, as a result, part of me will always be a Livingston Lancer.” Board of Education president Pam Chirls said, “We appreciate Dr. Block’s dedication to Livingston Public Schools. For five years, he has been an enthusiastic presence with our students and staff during the school day and an engaged member of the community on a regular basis. From celebrating the accomplishments of our students and staff to leading facilities efforts for the long-term needs of our thriving community, the foundation is in place for our bright future.”
The Board is in the early planning stages for a new superintendent. As plans become more definitive over the coming weeks, the Board said that it plans to share additional information with the community.
Below is Block’s full letter to the community: “It is with mixed emotions that I write to inform you that I will be ending my tenure as Superintendent of Schools in Livingston at the end of this school year. I am retiring from education in New Jersey after 25 years and will begin the next part of my career as a Superintendent of Schools in southern New York state. It has been a wonderful five years.
“When I arrived in Livingston, I quickly recognized that this is a very special school district with a talented and dedicated staff, amazing students, and a supportive community. This early impression proved even more accurate than I could have imagined. The understanding that Livingston Public Schools are outstanding has been reinforced for me over and over again through my daily interactions and observations over the past five years.
“This community opened its arms to me, and as a result, part of me will always be a Livingston Lancer. We have been through a lot together in a relatively short period of time. Livingston is an outstanding place for students and staff to flourish, and I am confident that our students and staff are in good hands. There are so many talented professionals who create the magic of Livingston each day, and I know the possibilities will continue to be endless.
“I will remain available and visible in Livingston over the next several months as we look forward to a strong end of the 2023-24 school year. Additionally, I plan to fully participate in the transition of leadership for Livingston Public Schools. The LBOE was informed of my intentions last week and has tentatively scheduled to meet in closed session on Wednesday, April 10, to discuss the process they will engage in for the search. The LBOE will continue to update the community as the search for a new superintendent progresses.
“I wish Livingston continued success and only great things for the future.”
