Brick’s Farrell Named Ocean County Superintendent Of The Year

BRICK – Brick Township Superintendent Thomas G. Farrell has been named Ocean County Superintendent of the Year, the Ocean County Association of School Administrators (OCASA) announced.

Farrell joined Brick Schools in March of 2020, diving head first into heavy challenges such as leading the district through the COVID-19 pandemic and the negative effects of the S-2 state funding cuts.

Farrell is currently in his fifth year as Superintendent of Brick Schools and twelfth year as a superintendent in New Jersey. He is also the Vice President & President-Elect of the OCASA.

“Over the past five years, Dr. Farrell has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication while serving the Brick Township Schools,” OCASA President Dr. Vanessa Pereira said. “Despite navigating through several challenging budget cycles, Dr. Farrell’s unwavering commitment to prioritizing students’ needs has been evident in every decision he makes. His steadfast focus on student success and well-being has made a profound impact on his entire school community, earning him the respect and admiration of both his colleagues at OCASA and the families and students of Brick Township Schools. Dr. Farrell truly embodies the qualities of an outstanding superintendent and is highly deserving of this prestigious recognition.”

“Farrell is a proven strategic leader in education, whose leadership skills translate organizational strategies into results that are in the best interest of all stakeholders,” the district wrote in a press release.

Farrell expressed that people create excellent school districts and great schools.

“Relationships! In particular, student-teacher relationships is what impacts students,” Farrell said. “Great schools need to help create a learning environment where healthy student-teacher relationships happen. Young people thrive when adults care about them on a one-to-one level and when they have a sense of belonging to a caring community.”

“The Board of Education congratulates Dr. Farrell on this most prestigious and well-deserved honor. We look forward to you continued work with the BOE and your Leadership Team in the best interest of our students, parents, staff, and community,” Brick Board of Education President Stephanie Wohlrab said.

Farrell is supported by his Central Office and Building Based Administrative Teams as well as the Board of Education.

His team is focused on providing supports for faculty and staff in their efforts to ensure that all students have an opportunity to achieve and succeed,” the district said.

“Through strong community connections, the district’s mission is to promote student success by cultivating their unique talents that will help prepare them for their future, and empower them to assume altruistic roles and embrace life-long learning. Through the Strategic Planning process, led by Dr. Farrell, we have garnered input from our community of stakeholders to cultivate greater support for our schools,” the district added.