A new superintendent has been called to the office at Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH).

After more than a year-long search to replace retiring RFH Superintendent Peter Righi, Debra (Edelkraut) Gulick was unanimously approved as the new top administrator of the RFH District on Feb. 26, Board of Education President John Caruso said. Gulick will start her position at RFH on July 1, 2009, after Righi’s retirement takes hold at the end of the current school year.  

Having served in various capacities in NJ public school for 25 years, Gulick is currently the chief academic officer for secondary schools in the Edison Township Public School District.

Previously, she served as director of Curriculum & Instruction, as well as director of Staff Development & Evaluation in the East Brunswick Township Public Schools.

“The Board is excited to welcome Ms. Gulick to our district and to the community we serve,”  Caruso said. “The hiring of Ms. Gulick as the district’s next superintendent follows an extensive search that began over a year ago. Input from the community, faculty and staff was utilized by the Board to identify the next Superintendent’s focus areas.

“After reviewing dozens of applications, the Board invited a large pool of highly accomplished applicants to participate in a comprehensive multi-round interview process. Ms. Gulick stood out from the field of candidates for her leadership experience and proven track record in making student-focused decisions that support academic success.

“She has in-depth knowledge of instructional strategies and a breadth of experience in curriculum. The Board was excited about the program initiatives she shared during her interviews and is confident that her educational philosophy will be well-received throughout the district. Her strength as a communicator and collaborative leader, which are focused on building positive relationships, will no doubt add to our district’s successes. Ms. Gulick will be a great match for our staff, students and the community at large.”

Gulick says that she is looking forward to joining the RFH community.  “I have been fortunate to serve as a mathematics teacher and leader in East Brunswick High School, Howell High School, Middlesex County College and Rutgers University, and know that the most important work done in any school district takes place in each classroom,” she said.  

Gulick feels that her experience in curriculum design and professional development can contribute to RFH, a district she believes is committed to providing a high-quality education for every student.

“I look forward to building upon the successes enjoyed by Rumson-Fair Haven students under Dr. Righi’s leadership,” she said. “I intend to work with RFH’s dedicated staff to expand opportunities for students so that they may reach their personal goals and feel well-prepared for their futures.”   

Gulick has been actively involved in NJ professional organizations serving on state-wide committees, making formal presentations, and mentoring aspiring leaders. 

She was selected by the NJ Department of Education as one of the original three content development team leaders for the Achievement Coach project, a teacher leadership professional development initiative that reached more than 3500 teachers across the state.

She has presented for various organizations on student-centered education, on fostering equity and teacher leadership.

Gulick holds a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Kean University and a bachelor’s degree in Engineering from Lafayette College. She is currently pursuing her doctoral degree in Education Leadership at Rowan University. 

Gulick enjoys spending free time with her husband and their four grown children and three grandchildren.

— Edited press release from RFH