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SOUTH BRUNSWICK: Principal prepares departure

By Maria Riegel, Special Writer
   South Brunswick High School Principal Timothy Matheney will be leaving his eight-year position as the high school principal at the end of this month and will be pursuing a new career opportunity as the Director of Evaluation for the New Jersey Department of Education.
   ”I have many mixed feelings (about leaving),” Mr. Matheney, who announced his departure last month, said. “I will miss so many people here in the SBHS community that includes faculty, students, parents and alumni.”
   According to Mr. Matheney his new position entails “overseeing all teacher and principal evaluations in New Jersey.”
   Mr. Matheney said that he believes that holding the position as the principal at SBHS will help him in his new position. He said that SBHS has allowed him to gain knowledge on how good a public school in New Jersey can be.
   ”I know how a good public school in New Jersey can be and I hope to help all schools be like that,” Mr. Matheney said.
   Unfortunately, Mr. Matheney said that his new position does not require him to work directly with students, but he hopes to spend at least 20 percent of his time in schools.
   ”I will miss working with high school students,” Mr. Matheney said. “I hope to teach some college classes.”
   According to Mr. Matheney, the student body and faculty at SBHS take pride in the school, and that “many people are proud of South Brunswick High School.”
   Mr. Matheney said that he is confident that the values he implemented in the education system will be continued after he leaves and the high academic standards will not be lost.
   ”I think one of my strengths, as a leader, is creating a condition where educators can do their best work,” Mr. Matheney said. “I’m proud of the fact that our core values have become part of our regular vernacular.”
   According to Mr. Matheney the one drawback he faced being the principal was his demanding schedule, which did not permit him to attend all of the activities, sporting events, and clubs that he wanted to. He said that he wanted to have “more opportunities to see the students at their best.”
   Overall, Mr. Matheney said that he does not have regrets leaving SBHS and that he is proud of the work he has accomplished while being the principal, however, he is aware that improvements still need to be applied.
   ”My work is not complete here,” Mr. Matheney said. “I’m very humble in realizing that.”