By Jennifer Ersalesi
Mr. Jack Hurley has been a teacher or an administrator for over four decades in the Rutherford school district. For the last decade, he has been the Superintendent of Schools and has implemented many significant changes that have improved the district and its programs. This is Rutherford interviewed Mr. Hurley about this recent recognition and why he is so proud of the district's administrators, staff, Board of Education members, and community.
TIR: Congratulations on being named NJASA 2025 Region 1 Superintendent of the Year. When did you learn that you received this recognition? How did it make you feel?
Jack Hurley: I got a call from Rich Bozza, the Executive Director of the New Jersey Association of School Administrators, informing me of the news in mid-September. I was surprised and grateful. It was humbling as well. It also made me proud-- not of me but of all of the administrators, supervisors, faculty, staff, Board of Education trustees, parents, students, and the entire community. The recognition I got is due to them and whatever attention gets paid to the award will bring more notice to the great schools and community we have in Rutherford -- a place I have been since 1977.
TIR: How long have you been the Superintendent of Schools in Rutherford?
JH: I am in my tenth year as Superintendent and my 47th in the district.
TIR: What have you enjoyed the most about being the Superintendent in Rutherford?
JH: The changes we have implemented. We implemented pre-school classes, an 18-21 program, and reorganized schools to allow for more space and expanded curriculum. A $48 million referendum that was passed in 2019 with construction completed in 2023, enhanced and expanded the six buildings in the district. This year, the district is introducing the Profile of the Rutherford Graduate to strengthen and further unify the foundational pieces of the curriculum and co-curricular program at all grade levels. I am most proud of the collaboration and community in the Borough that is epitomized in the “One Rutherford” logo which is the district’s brand. Click here to learn more about One Rutherford.
TIR: What exciting changes have you seen in the district during your career as Superintendent?
JH: The changes noted above --also the reorganization of schools that created a true middle school, the greater inclusion of special education programs, the increased success our students have had in AP tests and state testing, the diverse talents of our students in the arts, athletics, clubs, and community service.
TIR: In 2025, former Regional Superintendents of the Year and a committee of NJASA Past Presidents will select an AASA National Superintendent of the Year. You are one of three finalists who has met the needs of their students, demonstrated communication strength, a commitment to professional development and growth, and significant community involvement.
Recently, you have been working on an initiative in the district entitled "Profile of a Rutherford Graduate". This initiative seems to encompass many of the qualities mentioned above, how have you been introducing and explaining the "Profile of a Rutherford Graduate" to students and families in the district?
JH: For Profile of a Rutherford Graduate we have launched a link on our Rutherford Schools website to a dedicated website, we have placed banners and posters at the schools, I have attended PTA meetings and Back to School Nights to discuss it. We have an advisory board of teachers and administrators working on the program.
In a Press Release by the NJASA (New Jersey Association of School Administrators), Supervisor of Planning, Research and Testing Charles Ryan explained “Mr. Hurley's remarkable journey through Rutherford Public Schools embodies dedication,
leadership, and a profound commitment to education. Mr. Hurley has consistently inspired students and staff alike. His unwavering passion for fostering a rigorous learning environment and his innovative approach to education have truly transformed our schools. This well-deserved recognition is a testament to his lasting impact on the Rutherford community.”
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