The Mater Dei Prep Board of Trustees and school President Don Galante have announced the appointment of Debra J. Serafin as the new principal of the school that is located in Middletown.
Serafin was chosen for the position after an evaluation of potential candidates was deemed complete, according to a press release from Mater Dei.
In a statement, Galante said, “It is with great enthusiasm that we welcome Debra Serafin as the new principal of Mater Dei Prep. This September will be our fourth year as an independent college preparatory academy and Debra’s impressive educational experience is a significant addition to our leadership team.
“Debra’s strengths in curriculum and faculty development will ensure the school’s academic program is executed in accordance with the board’s strategic goals,” he said.
Serafin will begin her duties as principal in September.
According to the press release, Serafin received a Bachelor of Science degree in education from Rutgers University, and an MBA from Monmouth University, West Long Branch. In 2012, she retired as the assistant principal of North Brunswick Township High School.
Serafin has been working part-time as an educational trainer and facilitator for the New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association.
Serafin conducts workshops in school districts to bring awareness of the changes that have occurred to the pension system and how teachers have been affected, according to the statement.
“I love the fact it’s a small community, it’s a faith-based community and the kids do community service,” Serafin said of the academic environment at Mater Dei Prep. “It’s all the things you want in a school to help students grow and develop into contributing community members.”
Mater Dei Prep is is an independent, faith-based college preparatory high school that has recently introduced four programs into its curriculum – the Global Leaders Institute, Information Technology Institute, Performing Arts Institute, and the Emergency Medical Services and Nursing Institute, according to the press release.