Millstone board names principal at primary school

MILLSTONE – An assistant principal in the Millstone Township K-8 School District has been named the next principal of the Millstone Township Primary School.

Paul Baker, who had been working as the assistant principal at the Millstone Township Middle School, was appointed by the Board of Education on July 24 as the primary school’s new principal.

Superintendent of Schools Christopher Huss announced Baker’s new role to Millstone residents in a letter dated July 25. According to Huss, Baker has worked in education for 14 years. He joined the Millstone district in 2015.

“During [his 14 years in education], he has accumulated a vast range of experiences, including work as a special education math teacher, a supervisor of curriculum, instruction and special services, and as an assistant principal in the middle school,” Huss wrote. “To say that Mr. Baker was highly successful in all of these positions is an understatement, which is what makes him the ideal candidate to lead our primary school.”

Baker will succeed Trish Bogusz as principal of the primary school. Bogusz was recently selected by the board to become the next principal of the middle school, succeeding Huss after Huss was named superintendent.

During the time Huss was the middle school principal, he worked with Baker.

“After working closely with Mr. Baker for years, I have the utmost confidence in his leadership abilities and am looking forward to years of success under his direction at the primary school,” Huss wrote.

Baker is a resident of Freehold Township. He holds a bachelor’s degree in international business from The College of New Jersey, Ewing, a special education/teaching certificate from Georgian Court University, Lakewood, and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Rutgers University, New Brunswick, according to the superintendent. He is working toward a doctorate in educational technology from the University of Florida.

Baker said he is looking forward to his next role in the district.

“The primary school principal is trusted by the community to prioritize student safety, oversee their growth as independent thinkers and be a positive influence in the eyes of our youngest students,” he said. “For many families, I will be the first voice they hear as their children begin school in Millstone. These are responsibilities I take very seriously and will do so openly, honestly and always with a smile.

“Mrs. Bogusz’s influence as an educator and leader is reflected in the climate and culture of the building,” he said. “The school is a warm and welcoming place for students, teachers, parents and visitors. I look forward to continuing this tradition and building new ones.

“I am excited to join a team and building that has a tremendous reputation for creativity, care and professionalism. I have always admired the way the primary school staff approaches their responsibilities, with contagious energy and joy that makes school an exciting environment for our students,” Baker said.