The East Brunswick Board of Education will formally dedicate the East Brunswick Performing Arts Center (EBPAC) at Hammarskjold Middle School as the Jo Ann Magistro Performing Arts Center in a ceremony set for 7:30 p.m. Nov. 12 at the school, 200 Rues Lane.
Speakers for the evening will include East Brunswick Superintendent of Schools Victor Valeski; Brad Cohen, Board of Education president; Jeffrey Lesser, former arts supervisor; and Jo Ann Magistro, former superintendent of schools.
The designation will honor Magistro’s 42- year career in East Brunswick Public Schools and her role in the building of EBPAC. Magistro retired as superintendent of schools at the end of the 2012-13 school year. Prior to serving as superintendent, she was assistant superintendent for human resources, assistant superintendent for student services and activities, building administrator at the elementary and secondary levels, department chair of the guidance department and guidance counselor. Magistro became the district’s first female superintendent in 2003.
When the plan for the new Hammarskjold Middle School was being developed, Magistro expressed her desire to include a state-of-the-art performance venue that would benefit both the students and the community. The East Brunswick Performing Arts Center is described as a 1,000-seat, state-of-the-art theater featuring programmable standard and robotic lighting, a sound system including listener-assistive devices, three-screen data projection, an electronic fly system and a stage area with attached dressing rooms and storage facilities.
The public is invited to attend the dedication. A reception will follow the ceremony.