Superintendent honored for extraordinary leadership
The National Association of School Superintendents (NASS) is thrilled to announce Glenn Robbins, Superintendent of Brigantine School District, NJ, as a finalist for the NASS 2024 Superintendent of the Year award. Robbins, known for his innovative approach to education and his deep commitment to community engagement, is recognized alongside fellow finalist Dr. Marnie Hazelton from Englewood School District, NJ. The award’s winner is Dr. Youssef Mosallam, Superintendent of Crestwood School District, MI.
A Champion of Innovation and Community
Since stepping into his role as Superintendent in February 2020, Glenn Robbins has led Brigantine School District through unprecedented challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Under his leadership, the district has not only emerged stronger but has been recognized for its excellence, earning designations such as New Jersey Department of Education High-Achieving District and two-time Safety District of the Year. The district has also garnered national attention, receiving the State/National VFW School of the Year award for its support of military personnel, a testament to Robbins’ commitment to community partnerships, particularly with the nearby Coast Guard and VFW.
Building Bridges Between Schools and Communities
One of Robbins’ standout initiatives is the Mr. Rogers Project, a unique program that connects students with the local community by teaching entrepreneurship and fostering relationships with local businesses. The project, which partners with the Chamber of Commerce, has been a huge
success, with 27 businesses currently on a waitlist to participate. The program teaches students modern business tools, such as using Canva and Social Media, while emphasizing positive public relations and real-world learning experiences.
In addition to this, Robbins is a frequent speaker at national conferences and has represented his district at significant events, including the White House and U.S. Department of Education Summit on Digital Equity, Inclusion, and Emerging Technology and the National Education Technology Plan, where he presented to the National Press Club. These experiences highlight Robbins’ commitment to staying at the forefront of educational innovation and leveraging technology to enhance learning experiences.
A Visionary Leader Committed to Togetherness
Robbins is a passionate advocate for positive psychology and relationship-building in schools. His leadership philosophy is rooted in the belief that fostering strong relationships within the school community leads to improved outcomes for students and staff alike. Through his work with HumanEx Ventures, Robbins has focused on cultivating pride, relationships, talent, and fit within the district. His efforts to boost morale have been widely recognized, with one teacher earning the New Jersey Visionary Teacher of the Year award under his tenure.
Reflecting on his role as a finalist, Robbins said, “In a world that often tries to pull us apart, we need to come together and build one another up. As educators, we can rise above the challenges by supporting each other and staying focused on what matters most—our students.”
A Future-Focused Superintendent
Looking ahead, Robbins is committed to modernizing education and preparing students for the rapidly changing world. He emphasizes the importance of AI, cybersecurity, and relationship building in education, stating that “we must prepare our students for a digital future while maintaining the human connection that is at the heart of learning.” Robbins also advocates for showcasing the positive stories happening in schools through digital media and celebrating the achievements of students and staff.
Robbins’ dedication to leadership capacity-building and mentorship extends beyond his district. He frequently shares his insights with fellow superintendents, offering words of support and guidance to those navigating the complexities of the role. His vision of leadership is one that prioritizes calm, resilience, and community engagement, qualities that have defined his success in Brigantine.
About NASS:
The National Association of School Superintendents (NASS) is dedicated to supporting and advancing the leadership of school superintendents across the nation. NASS provides professional development, advocacy, and recognition to empower educational leaders to create meaningful change in their communities.
The National Association of School Superintendents serves the unique needs of the more than 17,000 school district leaders across the country by providing them with ongoing opportunities for collaborating and sharing as well as building a collection of resources and benefits. Its website address is NASS.us.
