New Superintendent Charles Sampson: Students Come First

Charles Sampson wasunanimously chosen as the new superintendent of the Freehold Regional High School District (FRHSD) by the Board of Education this month.Sampson's resume includes two bachelor's degrees from Rutgers University, one in criminal justice and one in history, as well as a master's degree from Rutgers in social studies education. Sampson also has a master's degree from Caldwell College in educational administration, and is presently working toward a doctorate degree from Drew University.Sampson began his teaching career in 1997 as a social studies instructor at Livingston High School.  It was through the professional development initiatives that he took on there that his eyes were opened to administration. “As I began to instruct a number of courses for other teachers, I felt a tremendous sense of satisfaction,” Sampson said. “That sense propelled me toward seeking an administrative position.”Sampson’s career progressed quickly. He became the social studies supervisor for the West Orange K-12 school district in 2001, by 2004 Sampson was assistant principal at West Orange High School, and by 2007 he was appointed principal of Cedar Grove High School. Sampson became superintendent of the Verona Township School District in Nov. 2008.“Once I had gained experience as a supervisor, assistant principal and high school principal, I felt confident I would be a successful superintendent,” Sampson said.  "I am not sure if anyone enters the field of education wanting to be a superintendent. I believe that desire emerges from a number of professional experiences."Sampson, 40, currently resides in Clinton, Hunterdon County, with his wife, Janet, and four young children. He has lived in central New Jersey his entire life and his career bloomed in Essex County. His oldest daughter attends kindergarten at Clinton Public School. Since he moved to Clinton only a little over a year ago, Sampson is not planning on moving to the Freehold area anytime soon because he does not want to disrupt his family again so quickly. As superintendent of the Verona Township School District, Sampson is most proud of the professional development initiative called "Understanding by Design""[It is] an intensive four-year program that we are completing our third year of presently. I believe the process has spurred the continual improvement of the teaching and learning in our district, which strikes to the heart of the job -- doing what is best for the students we serve," Sampson explained. Another accomplishment Sampson is proud of is the curriculum changes made in the school district. The district now boasts a broader range and number of Advanced Placement courses and has partnered with a local college so that students can earn college credit prior to graduation of high school. The K-12 scope and sequence of language arts and math were changed and a new math and writing initiative were implemented, according to Sampson. The student placement process was also changed so that all students had more opportunities to excel. "I am also proud of how we have restructured our staff and district operations in the face of the on-going budget difficulties -- we have truly maximized our resources as a school district over the past few years," Sampson said. In response to Gov. Chris Christie’s education reform, Sampson stated he was concerned at the state of public education in New Jersey moving forward. “Our most important responsibility is to our children,” Sampson said.  “My hope is that decisions regarding that responsibility are not made in a vacuum and that we highlight and model those districts that are highly successful in such a high performing state. There are a multitude of success stories across the state that have been submerged in the generally negative tenor of the current school reform discussion.”Sampson felt it was inappropriate to comment on the state of the FRHSD's budget since he is not a current member of the district and has not been involved in the discussions about the budget that have been going on since last November. Nevertheless, Sampson's philosophy was transparent. "My overall philosophy is simple: children come first. All initiatives should be rooted in some manner toward improving student achievement and experiences within the school district," Sampson contended.  "All means all -- we have a responsibility as district leaders to help all children maximize their potential within our school district."Sampson is excited and honored to have the opportunity to work in the Freehold Regional district. He said he was not intimidated by the size of the district but is respectful and understands the importance of leading such a large district.Sampson's start date has still not been released, but he will finish out the 2010-11 school year once Acting Superintendent Suzanne M. Koegler steps down. Koegler has been working in the interim since Superintendent H. James Wasser announced his retirement last June 30.Sampson's contract after the completion of the 2010-11 school year extends four years, ending officially on June 30, 2015, at a salary of $177,500. Sampson also is up for merit-based pay promotions at $26,650 a year.  Once Sampson takes on his new role, he said his immediate goal will be to complete his entry plan and to become acclimated to the district in a timely manner by engaging in a series of intensive interviews with a wide range of school community stakeholders. "Ultimately, I would like to begin the process of developing a long term strategic plan through these meetings. I understand that first and foremost, I need to engage the entire school community in an open and transparent manner to engender trust in my position," Sampson said. "I take that role seriously and will work to my utmost to conduct myself in a manner befitting the Chief Operating Officer of such a terrific school district."Board President Ronald Lawson has commented that he is very excited with the selection of Sampson as new superintendent and is confident in his credentials, abilities and vision for Freehold Regional. "I believe I am fortunate to work in the field of education where I can always put kids first," Sampson said. "I am hopeful that the various communities that comprise the FRHSD will embrace the passion I have for my job and that we will work collaboratively to stay on the path of continual growth to the benefit of all students."