Essex Countys School Superintendent Of Year Is From Belleville – Belleville, NJ Patch

BELLEVILLE, NJ — Richard Tomko of the Belleville Public School District is the latest “Superintendent of the Year” in Essex County.

Officials recently announced that Tomko received the 2020-2021 Essex County Superintendent of the Year award.

“This well-deserved honor is an affirmation of his vision and effective leadership,” Essex County Executive Superintendent of Schools Joseph Zarra said.

Zarra, a Belleville alumus himself, said Tomko is “committed to the Belleville School District” and that his hard work has paid dividends for local students.

“Dr. Tomko truly cares about the students and staff,” Belleville School Board President Christine Lamparello said. “In his five years with us, he has made the Belleville School District a better place in which to learn and work.”

Awards aren’t new for Tomko, who has previously been honored with the New Jersey State Governor’s Jefferson Award, and recognized by the U.S. Department of Defense Employee Support of the Guard and Reserve through his receipt of the Patriot Award in 2018 and the Above and Beyond award in 2019.

In addition to his professional duties, Tomko – who is married and has four children – dedicates his spare time volunteering as a coach for local recreation sports teams and other nonprofit organizations.

The Belleville Board of Education offered the following joint statement in praise of Tomko’s achievements:

“Dr. Tomko has worked hard over the last several years with his leadership teams and faculty in developing challenging programs and curriculums to meet the needs of all learners and to ensure equity in access for students in all district schools.

“Since his appointment to superintendent of schools in the Belleville Public Schools District, the board and administration have successfully authored and implemented an action plan to remediate fiscal concerns and eliminate a $4.2 million deficit, ending the 2014-2015 school year with a financially sound projection and budget that addressed the needs of the students. A district-wide 1:1 Chromebook initiative soon after ensued while new elementary, middle, and high school textbook series and e-texts were also adopted. An administrative realignment for greater support and oversight was implemented, and board policies were updated to enhance grade point average equity and district procedures.

“Under Dr. Tomko, the current district curriculum team and high school administration have worked to create the Leadership Academy; Academy of Criminal Justice; and Ralph Vellon Academy of Engineering and Medical Sciences while partnering with Clara Maass Medical Center to reflect Academy STEM standards and surpass the expectations of the science core. During his time in Belleville, Dr. Tomko has reinstated the district’s carpentry program; established the Community Outreach Program in Education (COPE); launched the Belleville Adult Learning Academy (BALA); was instrumental in the planning and design of the high school STEM lab and upgrades to school media centers and computer labs; instituted beautification projects on all school campuses; created the Office of Secondary Pathways and Apprenticeships; and was recognized for implementing the RISE and Shine program which provides free breakfast to all district students.

“In early 2018, Dr. Tomko spearheaded a campaign to promote and gained community support in passing a $48 million construction referendum by a large margin. In working with the state, Dr. Tomko secured 50% funding for the taxpayers of the community through construction aid. A second project ($4 million) to rebuild the athletic complex at Clearman Field was also designed and approved to help improve athletic facilities for all students and members of the township.

“Throughout his tenure, content curriculums have been designed to enhance academic rigor, advanced exit skills have been infused to challenge students at every school level, and a district-wide effort to examine equity was started to ensure students from diverse backgrounds and with different needs are receiving specialized programs tailored to the demands of every learner. Over the past two years, the district has received nearly $4 million in additional state aid for preschool expansion, and Dr. Tomko provided the leadership and guidance in constructing the district’s newest campus at the Hornblower Early Education Building.

“In 2019 and just four short years under Dr. Tomko’s leadership in district, the Belleville Public Schools District was recognized as a District of Distinction (DA) and a High Performing District by the New Jersey Department of Education for raising the percentages of the Quality Single Assurance Continuum (QSAC) by 53% in the Instruction and Program category and 54% in Fiscal Management.

“Dr. Tomko continues to work with the board, faculty, and staff to lead the district mission and ensure that the vision of the district, where all students can learn, is being supported by all aspects of the school district.”

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