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Superintendent's Message

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Stephanie A. Brown, Ed.D.
Superintendent & Curriculum Director
 
 
Dear Mr. Schneider and Members of the Board of Education,

It is with a deep sense of gratitude and reflection that I formally submit my resignation from the position of
Superintendent of Milltown Public Schools, effective September 1, 2025, as I embark on the next chapter of my life—retirement. Having had the privilege of serving this exceptional school district since 2006, and as
Superintendent for the past 12 years, it is with immense pride that I reflect on all that we have accomplished
together.

I am incredibly grateful to the current and past members of the Board of Education for your steadfast support,
guidance, and partnership throughout my tenure. A special thank you to Carl Schneider, Board President, whose leadership and commitment to the success of our students has been a tremendous source of inspiration.

None of the progress we have made would have been possible without the outstanding expertise and dedication of our teachers. My partnership with Milltown Education Association (MEA), under the leadership of Michele Monteleone, has been pivotal in making our district stronger. Together, we shared common goals, and our teachers consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to student success. Our staff’s instructional skills, professionalism, and deep investment in the lives of our students has been nothing short of remarkable. Milltown teachers are second to none, and it has been an honor to work alongside such a talented, compassionate, and dedicated group of professionals.

Our district’s success is also due in large part to an outstanding administrative team whose investment in our
students, staff and families, along with their passion for education has shaped the superior learning environment at Parkview and Joyce Kilmer Schools. I am confident that their exceptional leadership will continue to drive academic progress and develop strong character in our students.

I also want to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of our community partners. Jenn Spisso, President of the PTO, has been a tireless advocate for our students and families, and her work has greatly enriched the school experience for all. Similarly, Jill Harkins, President of the MEF, has been a strong ally in advancing programs that foster both academic growth and student well-being. I would also like to extend my deepest thanks to Chief Johnson for his expert guidance and unwavering commitment to ensure the safety and security of our staff and students. His leadership has been crucial in creating a learning environment that allows for peace of mind.

Throughout my 19-years with Milltown Public Schools, I have been privileged to work with a student-centered community to build programs and initiatives that have elevated our district to new heights. Under my leadership, we have achieved a number of meaningful milestones together—each one a testament to our shared commitment, resilience, and vision for progress —here are a few highlights worth celebrating:
 
Branding of our district and the creation of district logos
  •  Creating a social media presence for the district and website expansion
  •  Integrating operational and student management software such as Genesis portal, report cards and gradebook, Parent Square, OnCourse and Classlink
  •  Establishing in-district Special Education programs (MD, PreK-MD, LLD) and the co-teaching model
  •  Incorporating new leadership roles such as Assistant Principal, Dean of Students, security guards, event
    directors, and various chairpeople
  •  Offering full-day Kindergarten
  •  Valuing athletics by adding a soccer team and intramural sports at JK
  • Redesigning the 8th grade Youth in Government civics program
  •  Increasing literacy intervention programs like Phonics First, LLI, and Dyslexia
  •  Remaining competitive with iSTEAM projects, the JK STEM Lab and STEM iFly trip
  •  Providing opportunities with Career Day and visits to the County Magnet School and Middlesex College
  • Raising the bar with Honors Science, Algebra I and Library Research Writing courses
  • Providing choice through middle school elective courses, including our Woodworking shop
  • Giving back with Community Day, Veteran’s Day recognition, and service projects
  •  Partnering with law enforcement through the LEAD program and expansion of firearm safety instruction
  •  Fostering character development through Middle School advisory, Wingman and Knights in Shining Armor
  • Celebrating excellence through Honor Roll breakfasts and National Junior Honor Society
  •  Remodeling and repurposing of the PV media center, art room and classroom storage space
  •  Opening of the PV early childhood playground
  •  Constructing an administrative office building to provide more available instructional space
  •  Building of our outdoor classroom, school gardens and rain gardens
  •  Expanding the JK parking lot
  • Remodeling the JK entrance to create a secure vestibule, swipe access, upgraded cameras and PA system, and installation of window safety film for enhanced security
  • Embedding the Rutgers Collaborative Leadership DLT/SLT structure
  • Conducting district audits to improve programs in special education, assessment, gifted and talented, school operations and cultural responsiveness.
  •  Receiving multiple recognitions from Sustainable Jersey, Keep Middlesex Moving and School of Character
 
Our accomplishments reflect the strength of our shared dedication—to enriching the educational journey, nurturing personal growth, and ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all students. I am sincerely thankful for all we have achieved together and the meaningful, lasting impact it has had, all while upholding the cherished traditions that weave Parkview and Joyce Kilmer into the fabric of our community.

I am confident that Milltown Public Schools will continue to thrive in the years to come, with an exceptional
administrative team, dedicated teachers, and a community that values growth, collaboration, and excellence. As someone who once called Milltown home, our town and community will always hold a special place in my heart.

Thank you once again to everyone who has supported me throughout my career. It has truly been an honor to be part of our students’ educational journey and the Milltown Public Schools community.
 
Yours in education,
Dr. Stephanie Brown
Superintendent
Milltown Public Schools