After 36 years in the East Windsor Regional school district, the elementary school principal is leaving.
By: David Pescatore
EAST WINDSOR The East Windsor Regional School District will be missing one of its most persistent figures next year as Martin Barlow retires after 36 years of service.
Born in Arizona, Mr. Barlow has spent most of his 57 years either residing or working in Hightstown.
"My family moved here when I was 6 years old," said the Ethel McKnight School principal. "I was raised in Hightstown when it was a small, sleepy village. Everybody knew everyone and we were very comfortable."
Mr. Barlow, who now lives in nearby Washington Township, attended elementary and high school in Hightstown. After leaving to attend college at St. Joseph’s University, he returned to begin teaching sixth-grade English.
"I had a desire to work with children. I hoped that I had something to offer them. It’s great to teach in the town you grew up in," Mr. Barlow said.
He has watched the town grow and flourish and change in many ways.
"Construction. There are houses where there used to be fields or potato farms. And traffic. We also have become a very diverse, multicultural town. But the pride that the people of Hightstown have in Hightstown has not changed. People are proud to say that they are from Hightstown," Mr. Barlow said.
Student, teacher, assistant principal, principal, Mr. Barlow had a lot to say goodbye to during McKnight’s final assembly of the year on June 19.
"There was a nefarious plot set afoot by my staff. I had no idea that was a farewell assembly," said Mr. Barlow, who has been principal for four years.
"Each grade level did something for me. I got a tree from the Student Council. I also got a card from every student," Mr. Barlow said, pointing to a thick binder bursting with colorful paper. "It was a very poignant moment, very emotional."
And what was his message to the students?
"Work hard. I know that with their talents, they will be successful. I’ll be checking up on their accomplishments. Oh, and read every day."
Mr. Barlow said he is not sure what he will do in the future, but he has some ideas.
"I love to fish and travel. I’ll do that in the near future," he said. "I would like to teach at the college level. I would like to teach English, grammar and composition to foreign-born adults, help them to get jobs, driver’s licenses. I want to do something outside the profession (of education) as well, but I don’t know what yet.
"I also want to spend more time with my children and grandchildren," he continued.
As he packs up the things in his office, Mr. Barlow will take home more than the Donovan McNabb bobblehead and wooden duck decoys on his bookshelf.
"The most important things are the friendships and professional relationships. I have been able to work with the greatest and most efficient educators, superintendents, administrators, teachers and parents," he said.
Mr. Barlow will be replaced next year by Gayle Parker.
Ms. Parker, who taught in the East Windsor school system for 17 years and was the assistant principal of the Perry L. Drew School for one year, will be returning after a five-year stint in the Keansburg School District.

