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by Emma Sylvia
For nearly all cities across America, the quality of the school system is integral to the town’s reputation and plays a key role in reflecting the values and image of the community itself. This month, Neal Dickstein, superintendent of Freehold Township Schools, discusses with us what makes Freehold’s schools a point of pride for this community.
Originally living in Brooklyn, Dickstein moved to Monmouth County in 1985 at age 11. Other than a stint in Ocean County, he’s been a resident ever since. And his family was originally inspired to move to our area due to the quality of life that’s offered here.
Dickstein’s own children have gone through the Freehold School District, with his son graduating high school this year, and his daughter being in the seventh grade.
“When I started working here in 2004, I recognized very quickly not only the quality of the education, but the quality of the staff. I knew that even though I didn’t have children at the time, that I wanted my kids to attend school here. I wanted my children to benefit from what they could offer here. I think that’s the greatest testament to the school district,” Dickstein says.
Dickstein aims for the betterment of the community in all forms. He taught after school religious education at St. Roberts in Freehold for his son’s age group, volunteers with several different township organizations, and was on the mayor’s council for service. His career in education began in 1997, where he taught sixth grade in Eatontown. When the principal at the time moved to East Windsor, he did as well, teaching fifth grade before becoming an assistant principal. He began in Freehold in 2004, becoming the Assistant Superintendent. In 2018, after a decade of this title, Dickstein became the superintendent of the district.
This wasn’t a role Dickstein had in his sights though.
“My goal wasn’t even to be an administrator,” he elaborates. “I enjoyed having my own class, creating and engaging lessons, and being in the classroom. I didn’t see myself ever leaving.”
While he taught fifth grade, he applied and received a fellowship from the New Jersey Department of Education, and became a technology fellow for Mercer County. He spent a year on that fellowship, implementing technology training for teachers. When he returned to his role in East Windsor, they hired him on as the assistant principal.
“Rather than creating lessons and papers and communicating with parents and families, the workload shifts to more administrative things. We pass referendums, talk to families in a different way, have teacher observations, and hire. Teaching is a significant amount of work, and so is administrative – the work just looks different.”
Dickstein, in his past 21 years in this school district, notes its efficacy and kinship among the staff.
“We don’t have a large amount of staff turnover in our district, and I think that’s because it’s one big family. I know it sounds cliche, but it’s true here.”
The staff at Freehold spends a great deal of time building relationships with its administration. Every Tuesday, the schools participate in Giving Tuesdays, where the staff dresses down in exchange for paying whatever they’re comfortable with to a cause, leading the schools to provide to many organizations across Monmouth County.
Dickstein works with pre-k through eighth grade, and says that the ultimate highlight is the quality of its rigorous instructional programs.
“We meet the needs of all students, working diligently to keep our students identified for special needs in the district rather than sending them out of district,” he notes.
They’ve built special educational programs for students with significant developmental disabilities, and have several classes for students with autism, learning disabilities, emotional regulation impairment and language disabilities.
“We provide a comprehensive instructional program for all of our students,” he explains. “We strive to keep all of our students, including those with disabilities, in the district, and we do that by spending a great deal of time in training and implementing those programs.” He acknowledges the great sense of community and involvement that has been garnered in the district, with very active PTOs and collaboration with parents.
“There’s a great deal of support,” he says. “Our families are very supportive. It takes a team, and our parents and community members are directly involved.”
Dickstein, and much of the rest of Freehold, are thrilled about a recent $135 million dollar referendum that residents passed in the past year. It enhances safety and security, as well as infrastructure for the school buildings, with these renovations and expansions taking place over the next few years.
Dickstein can sing nothing but praises for the school district that has been his family for more than two decades. “I didn’t live here before I had kids. I think that’s the greatest testament to the school district, and the fact that I’ve been here for 21 years – it’s the longest that I’ve been in one place.”
One of Dickstein’s goals as superintendent is to visit each school every month, talking to students, teachers, and building those relationships. “That’s what fulfills me and keeps me grounded.”
Dickstein can’t emphasize enough the importance of finding your passion and dedicating time and effort to growing your craft. After all, it’s worked out pretty well for him right here in Freehold.
“It’s crucial to invest time in developing and growing relationships with students, colleagues, and families. Learning doesn’t occur and leadership is not effective without strong relationships.” It’s never too late to discover your passion – but in such an amazing town like Freehold, it’s difficult to not be surrounded by those that encourage your best.
To learn more, visit www.FreeholdTwp.k12.nj.us
