Livingston School Board Appoints Brooke Benavides as Principal at Riker Hill Elementary School

LIVINGSTON, NJ — Brooke Benavides, the former principal of Lincoln Elementary School in Nutley, has been selected to serve as the new principal at Riker Hill Elementary School in Livingston.

Her appointment, which was approved during a public Livingston Board of Education meeting on Thursday, comes shortly after former principal Justin Toomey announced his resignation from the position after five years of service to Livingston Public Schools to begin a new chapter of his career as the new Superintendent of Schools in Hanover Township.

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Benavides said she is “incredibly honored and grateful to be joining the dedicated team at Riker Hill” and is expected to begin her new position on Sept. 26 or earlier if a replacement is found for her current position in Nutley.

“The passion and commitment of the Livingston team of educators is truly inspiring, and I'm excited to become part of such a dynamic and supportive community,” said Benavides. “As principal, I will foster an inclusive learning environment where every child's voice is valued and every child has the opportunity to discover and develop their unique talents.

“Building on the strong foundation already laid, together we will continue to cultivate a learning environment where students, staff, and families feel empowered and proud to be part of the Riker Hill ‘Ramily.’ I look forward to working in collaboration with the administrative team and everyone at Riker Hill to provide an exceptional educational experience for all students.”

Benavides earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts from Muhlenberg College. She also holds Master of Science degrees from Nova Southeastern University in both English Education and Educational Leadership.

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Prior to being appointed principal at Lincoln Elementary School, Benavides was the PreK-12 English Language Arts Coordinator for Nutley Public Schools for eight years. During her tenure in Nutley, she also spent time as an Elementary Summer School Coordinator and supported staff as a Literacy Coach.

Other highlights of her career include earning the 2021 Visionary Leadership Award Nomination for Visionary Supervisor/Director of the Year and presenting a workshop at the 2022 NJPSA/FEA/NJASCD Spring Conference in Atlantic City on creating culturally responsive equitable classrooms and curricula.

Additionally, Benavides is a member of the Executive Board of the Pushcart Players in Verona as well as the Actors Equity Association and has performed professionally in several local theater productions.

Upon welcoming her to the Livingston Public Schools family earlier this week, Interim Superintendent of Schools Dr. Daniel Fishbein expressed confidence in the “excellent educational experience” that Benavides will bring to the district as principal at Riker Hill.

“Her experience as an elementary school principal, PreK-12 English Language Art Coordinator, Literacy Coach and teacher make her an ideal candidate to lead Riker Hill,” said  Fishbein. “Mrs. Benavides' high energy and enthusiasm about leading Riker Hill was evident throughout the interview process and I look forward to working with her.”

During Thursday’s board meeting, Benavides thanked the district for the opportunity, sharing she has felt “nothing but warmth and acceptance and excitement” from everyone she has met thus far and that she “couldn’t be more excited to bring [her] talents and enthusiasm to the Riker Hill community.”

The district’s two assistant superintendents will continue to work with the Riker Hill team to oversee the transition and ensure a smooth opening at Riker Hill in September.

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