Paul Baker MILLSTONE — Paul Baker is looking forward to his first day of work as the new assistant principal at the Millstone Township Middle School on Feb. 16.
“I was excited and appreciative upon learning the wonderful news (that the job was mine),” Baker said. “I am confident I have the competence and work ethic to perform the duties of the job to high levels. I have strong character and unwavering family values that steer my decision making and interactions with others.”
Baker will come to Millstone from Avon-by-the-Sea, where he serves as director of curriculum, instruction and special services.
He said he believes his greatest impact in that district was the relationship he had with students, parents and staff members.
“I am hopeful the students in Avon saw me as a positive role model and an adult they could trust,” Baker said.
Millstone Superintendent of Schools Scott Feder formally introduced Baker at a Board of Education meeting on Dec. 15 when the board passed a resolution to hire Baker.
“We are thrilled to have someone of his caliber and experience. Paul is a true talent, and comes to us with high regard from his current colleagues. He is highly recommended, and our families and students will love his energy and positive attitude,” Feder said. “We truly are very fortunate to have found someone like Paul. We welcome him with open arms.”
Baker was moved by the warm reception he received from the other administrators at the board meeting.
“Seeing my new administrative colleagues sticking around until I was formally approved at the board meeting speaks volumes about their character and commitment to this team. I am so excited to be a part of it,” he said.
Baker said his immediate goal will be to gain the trust of the middle school students and staff members.
Baker said he wanted to work in Millstone after he met some of the administrators from the district, namely Karen Barry, the director of curriculum and instruction, and Thomas Semko, the director of science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics, and data analysis, at a curriculum consortium.
Baker said he realized they shared commonalities in educational vision and philosophy and, he said, he liked Millstone Township.
He graduated from The College of New Jersey in 2003 and received a master’s in educational leadership from Rutgers University.
Baker and his wife Danielle, who is a teacher in Marlboro, live in Freehold Township with their two children.
“I am beyond excited and appreciative of this opportunity given me by Superintendent Feder, Dr. Christopher Huss [principal of the middle school] and the board,” Baker said. “Millstone has gained a teammate who is committed to each student’s success, in whatever their passion is. I look forward to begin working with the teachers and district administrators to provide the students with the best possible educational experience we can provide.”
Luis Ramirez, the current assistant principal of the middle school, is leaving the district to become the assistant principal at North Brunswick Township High School in Middlesex County.