HOLMDEL – The Holmdel Township Public Schools Board of Education named Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, Robert McGarry, Ed.D., of Long Branch to serve as the school district’s newest superintendent, effective July 1.
He will replace Barbara Duncan, who decided not to seek contract renewal.
Before joining the Holmdel School District, McGarry, 50, held leadership roles at Shore Regional High School and within the Montville and East Brunswick school districts. He received his doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania in 2008.
McGarry is a musician and an avid long distance runner, who completed the New York City Marathon along with several half-marathons.
School Board President Joe Hammer said McGarry surfaced as the best candidate after the Board conducted an extensive, nationwide search. A pool of more than 60 candidates was whittled down to a group of finalists who participated in three rounds of interviews before the Board made its final choice.
“The entire board was impressed with Robert’s strategic vision to take our district to new heights,” said Hammer. “His deep knowledge and experience will allow us to avoid the transition period that usually accompanies outside candidates. With the support of the faculty and staff, Robert will be able to hit the ground running on Day One.”
McGarry expressed his gratitude to be serving a community with a long history of supporting public education. “It’s rare to find a community that cares about public education as much as Holmdel does, and that raises the bar for everything we have to do. Fortunately, the school district has so many assets that we can build upon – a strong statewide reputation, great teachers and staff, a track record of student achievement and a tradition for innovation,” McGarry said.
The board voted unanimously to approve a three-year contract for McGarry.
