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The Board of Education finalized the appointment after a "lengthy" and "intensive" search process. SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ – The South Brunswick Board of Education has selected Bernard Bragen as the district's new superintendent, concluding what board officials described as a “lengthy” and “intensive” search process. Bragen brings three decades of educational experience to the position, having served in roles ranging from special education teacher to superintendent across several districts. For the past 14 years, he worked as a superintendent, most recently overseeing Montgomery County Public Schools in Christiansburg, Virginia. Bragen was formally introduced to the community during the Monday night Board meeting. "Dr. Bragen has been in the field of education for the past 30 years," said Board President Laura Hernandez. "We had a strong pool of applicants, but I am so confident that we chose the perfect candidate for South Brunswick." Hernandez thanked board members for their commitment to the search process, noting the personal sacrifices made to find the right leader. "They had to make hard, hard decisions in order to get us to this place," she said. Bragen's superintendent experience includes leading the Hazlet Township Public School System and the Edison Township Public School System in New Jersey, as well as Montgomery County Public Schools in Virginia. He has also served as an assistant professor and program director at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, directing the Educational Leadership and Ed.D. programs. Among his notable achievements, Bragen passed a $43 million construction referendum in Hazlet and created early college academic programs partnering with both Brookdale Community College and Middlesex County College, allowing students to graduate high school with associate's degrees. He expanded inclusive programs for special needs students, saving the Hazlet district more than $660,000 annually—a 46 percent decrease in out-of-district tuition costs. In Edison, Bragen supervised operations for over 17,000 students and 2,100 staff members. He guided the district through the COVID-19 pandemic, transitioning students to remote learning and back to in-person instruction. While also serving as acting school business administrator, he implemented zero tax levy increases for two consecutive school years and introduced self-insured health benefits that saved the district over $7 million annually. In Virginia, Bragen oversaw approximately 10,000 students and nearly 2,000 full-time employees across 20 schools. He created the first collective bargaining agreement with professional staff, enhanced school safety procedures in collaboration with law enforcement, and restructured the administrative organization to streamline leadership and reduce redundancy. Bragen expressed gratitude for the opportunity and humility about returning to New Jersey. "I went to school in Edison Township. I worked in Edison Township, and we always looked on the other side of the county," he said, referencing South Brunswick. "The fact that I have an opportunity to lead it is really humbling." He said that leadership success comes from collaboration. "As a leader and as a superintendent, your job is as a catalyst to put the right people in the right positions to be successful," he said. "I was very fortunate that I had the opportunity to work with some really great people and that we did all of that together." The new superintendent outlined plans to meet with students, parents, faculty, administrators, and community members in the coming weeks. "I plan to have meet and greets throughout the different parts of different communities we have in South Brunswick, so I can really get my ear to the ground and hear what you all want me to know," he said. In closing remarks, Bragen made an unusual request of the community. "I want to ask you not to take my words at face value, but instead, I want you to watch and see if I do what I say I'm going to do," he said. "Don't believe anything I say tonight. I'm totally fine with that, but I hope you reserve judgment and wait to see if I do what I say I'm going to do." Bragen will officially begin his tenure on Dec. 1. The board voted unanimously to approve his appointment. Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com
