Richard Corbett has been named the new superintendent of Roselle schools. Previously, Corbett, a resident of Parsippany, served a dual role as superintendent and principal of Hardyston Township for the past four years and in East Newark School District for five years prior to that.
ROSELLE, NJ — Richard Corbett was officially hired as Superintendent of Roselle public schools on Monday, June 12, after serving in an interim capacity for the past six months following the departure of previous superintendent Kevin West. The Roselle Board of Education approved his contract by a vote of 5-1, and his three-year term began Saturday, July 1.
Previously, Corbett, a resident of Parsippany, served a dual role as superintendent and principal of Hardyston Township for the past four years and in East Newark School District for five years prior to that. He has also served as principal of Shepard Preparatory High School in Morristown and as executive director of Youth and Young Adult Services in Newark.
According to a June 15 press release, Corbett has emphasized communication and educational innovation since coming to Roselle. He values the relationships he’s developed with parents, students and teachers in the community. He’s been praised for his innovative approach to leadership and learning, making him an ideal superintendent for the upcoming years.
Corbett plans to listen attentively to the people of Roselle and look at the challenges and successes to develop strategies to improve student achievement. He will determine which strategies are working and which ones need some work to make improvements in the schools. He plans to “inspire students and invigorate teachers.”
In order to create a positive school climate, Corbett plans to work collaboratively with the Board of Education. Three members of the board abstained from voting because they have family members employed by the district. Vice President Jazmine Charles was one of them but offered Corbett her support.
“As a graduate of Abraham Clark High School I have seen this district through the good and bad times,” Charles said in the press release. “Dr. Corbett represents the very good.”
“Dr. Corbett hit the ground running in this district and has proven himself an effective, modern educator and a community minded administrator,” Charles added. “This is precisely what Roselle needs to develop a 21st century public education experience.”
According to a June 15 press release, Corbett received his bachelor’s degree in marine transportation and economics from S.U.N.Y. Maritime College in the Bronx.
He holds two master’s degrees in moral theology and educational administration and supervision from Mount Saint Mary’s College in Maryland and Saint Peter’s College in Jersey City. Most recently, Corbett received his doctorate in educational leadership from the College of Saint Elizabeth in Convent Station. He has also served in the U.S. Merchant Marines.