New superintendent takes the reigns
By Ed Birch, Special Writer
A new schools superintendent means a new era in the South Brunswick School District.
Gerard Jellig assumed the role of superintendent in the district when he reported for his first day of work Tuesday.
Mr. Jellig takes over the 9,000-student district from 10-year veteran Gary McCartney who retired at the end of June.
"I have been incredibly busy since the beginning of April," said Mr. Jellig. "I have basically been doing two jobs since the appointment was approved by the South Brunswick (Board of Education). In addition to serving the Rancocas Valley School District and planning my transition to South Brunswick, I have had to deal with family matters, placing my children in summer camps, and other related activities."
The board unanimously appointed Mr. Jellig to the $177,500 per year position in early April.
"I am unspeakably excited since the beginning of April (when the approval came from the board until July 1. I have spent a few days in the district and I am extremely impressed with the people and the students," he said. "I spent a day with the students in the high school last week. I just really can’t wait to begin my term of service."
Mr. Jellig earned his bachelors degree from Providence College, and master’s degrees from both the University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins Universities. He earned his doctorate in education at the University of Pennsylvania, according to his resume.
His classroom teaching experience was completed in Virginia and Maryland. He has administrative experience as an assistant principal at the Carusi Middle School in South Jersey.
He also served as principal during a three-year stint at New Egypt Middle School in Ocean County.
He has served at his present assignment for the past three years
Past honors include being named teacher of the year in 2002 at Broadneck High School in Maryland.
In addition, both the Washington Post and Baltimore Sun twice have recognized him as a coach of the year, in two different sports.
He has coached basketball, swimming, tennis, baseball, and football during his years. He is presently a youth football and lacrosse coach. Mr. Jellig is married to his wife, Julie, a math coach in the Glassboro Public Schools for the past 11 years.
He is the father of four children who are presently in first grade, third grade, and twins in fourth grade.
In his spare time, he said he serves on the board of directors of the Haddonfield Youth Football Program, serves as a Cub Master of Cub Scout Pack 65 at home, and is also a member of the Royal Fitness gym.
Mr. Jellig has also taught educational law at Rowan College and organizational theory at the University of Pennsylvania.
He said he is also proud of studying for one year at the University of Fribourg in Switzerland, and also ran with bulls in Pamplona, Spain.
He is also an honorably discharged veteran of the United States Army, having served in Panama in the 83rd Airborne Division.
A week after his appointment, Mr. Jellig visited the district.
Mr. Jellig was greeted by Greenbrook Elementary School students from Karen Slater’s kindergarten class, Special Education and Instruction Specialists Lori Woods and Jessica Griffin’s groups, and finally by a very energetic class taught by Julie Johnson
Principal Patricia Holiday conducted the tour.
In addition, Mr. Jellig met with a team of middle school administrators, and later with High School Principal Peter Varela.
He also attended a public meeting in May to meet residents of the community.
"This is a great opportunity. I can’t wait to begin in the district" said the newly appointed superintendent.

