ROSELLE, NJ — The Roselle Board of Education officially hired Richard R. Corbett as the superintendent of schools June 15. His current, interim term expires June 30, and his three-year term begins July 1.
“Change does not happen overnight and we have to continue on the progress we’ve made,” Roselle Board of Education President Candi Young said. “That change requires strong leadership and in Dr. Corbett we’ve found someone who can build a bridge connecting past successes and the promise of our district’s future.”
The board approved Corbett’s contract by a vote of 5-1. Vice President Jazmine Charles, Arthur Rice and Patricia Fabrizio all have family members employed by the district and abstained from the vote.
Charles, however, offered her unqualified support of Corbett.
“As a graduate of Abraham Clark High School, I have seen this district through good times and bad. Dr. Corbett represents the very good,” Charles said. “Dr. Corbett hit the ground running in this district and has proven himself an effective, modern educator and a community-minded administrator. This is precisely what Roselle needs to develop a 21st century public education experience.”
Corbett, 56, succeeds Dr. Kevin R. West, who resigned to take over as superintendent of schools for East Orange. Corbett came to Roselle after serving as both superintendent and principal of the Hardyston Township in Sussex County, from 2012 to 2016, and in East Newark, from 2007 to 2012. He has also served as principal of Shepard Academy in Morristown and executive director of Youth & Young Adult Services in Newark. He lives in Parsippany.
“I am deeply honored to serve Roselle,” Corbett said. “In the past six months I have had the opportunity to work with our building leaders, our teachers, our students and parents and have developed a deep, meaningful understanding of our district and our district’s needs.”
Corbett added, “Roselle is a tight-knit community that demands accountability and excellence and I take very seriously my obligation not only as the district’s top educator but also as a public servant.”
He emphasized effective communication and educational innovation that “inspires students to learn and leadership that invigorates teachers.