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The Asbury Park Board of Education has named its second in command – Sancha Gray – as Acting Superintendent effective upon the formal resignation of Dr. Lamont Repollet; tapped by Gov. Phil Murphy to become the State’s next Commissioner of Education.

“Dr Repollet made a solid foundation, for which this district is experiencing growth in math and reading scores,” Board of Education President Angela Ahbez Anderson said. “Ms Gray has been a part of that foundation from the beginning. We not only have the academics and social learning successes but it is the extra things she does that makes her a powerful leader. I believe she will not only build upon Dr. Repollet’s legacy but will make it her own.”

Gray, who began as Director of Curriculum, is credited with helping to implement a literacy programs that resulted in 44 percent of students in grades 3 through 12 exceeding a one year’s growth goal in a single semester; 23 percent exceeding a two year growth in a single semester; and the percent of students failing three or more courses falling from 30% to 3%.

“Sancha is familiar with all of the programs, she’s bright, and she’s is as committed to Asbury Park as Dr. Repollet was,” said Carole Morris, the state monitor who has overseen the district’s administrative choices since 2014. “We were fortunate when he brought her. He wanted to build a team and have her as his assistant, which has worked out very well. To me, the most advantageous point is that we will be able to move into a transitional period without any change.”

Gray was unanimously promoted to Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction at a prorated $152,000 annual salary in January 2017. Business Administrator Geoff Hastings said Gray will receive a prorated annual salary of $166,000 for February through June. She will hold the post during the search for a new Superintendent and subsequent appointment. 

“I’m very happy that Sancha Gray is going to take over,” said Assemblywoman Joann Downey, who along with Assemblyman Eric Houghtaling and Sen Vin Gopal were at the meeting to present Repollet with formal resolution to honor his tenure in the district.

“She will continue to lead in the same direction that Dr. Repollet has done and will continue to make this a better place for our children,” Downey said. “I know she will do a wonderful job and whatever she needs we are there for her. We hope to work together to continue her hard hat nation.”

Hard Hat Nation is the symbolic manifestation behind the district’s edict to Build a Brighter Future by Rebuilding, Retooling and Restoring the educational offerings and programs in order to help students reach their highest potential, Repollet has said. It is an honor the district has bestowed on those who, during his four-year tenure, helped support programs and initiatives that would lead to students’ success. 

“This is us; this is Hard Hat Nation,” he said during what is expected to be his last Board of Education meeting. “This is what happens when you work hard; this is what happens when you work as team; this what happens when you put kids first.”

During his tenure, the district opened the Dorothy L McNish Center to help parents hone their skills in pursuit of better professional opportunities. They offer, everything from ESL to computer literacy programs. Other initiatives include the creation of makerspaces, the power of 10 program to help struggling students, and the College and Career Readiness program. The created Career Academies, which train students in Allied Health, Engineering, and Law and Public Safety.

The district received an Innovate NJ honor for demonstrating a commitment to providing, designing, and implementing an innovative school environment, according to state Department of Education.

The 2016-17 school year began with school district being recognized nationally as a Model School by the International Center for Leadership Education and the implementation of a Dream Academy, which allows qualifying students to garner Brookdale College associate’s degree by the end of their high school career.

“We have not had a Commissioner of Education ever, in the 40 some years that I have been a member, that has been in the classroom recently,” Morris said. “The only job any of us have is the job that is going to give students an equal opportunity in life. If we can do that in the state, the way he has done it for the students of Asbury Park, the state is going to really be in for a good ride.”

Repollet in acknowledging the staff, who he calls his team, said, “We had one ride; from scholastics and making sure our kids can read to our college and career academies; always believe if you build it they will come.”

Repollet said not only has the district’s enrollment increased, but hope and opportunity has returned.

“I didn’t do this by myself; Hard Had Nation did this,” he said. “That hard hat is a symbol for us to everyday come into the school district, no matter what position – from board and superintendent to our custodians, we are here to serve the students. This is a great community that has a rich tradition…and I am thankful to be a part of this community.”

Sen. Vin Gopal said while the move is a loss for the city, it is a great gain for the state.

“I remember four year ago, morale was down, not just in the school district and in the students, but throughout the state with a negative connotation of Asbury Park schools,” he said. “But an individual, with the support of everyone here and an extraordinary staff, has helped turn that around. We are so excited for you, not just Asbury Park but the State of New Jersey for the leadership you are about to provide.”

The legislatures also bestowed the district with a resolution honoring its Thought Leaders After School Academy, a federally-funded, STEAM-based program with a goal of providing intellectual and emotional growth for its over 250 participants.

“This is an example of what some communities have to do for the residents of their town,” Houghtaling said. “The school is more than just a school, it provides a lot of needs that people don’t realize. We are very appreciative for what you have done.”

Veteran Board of Education members Barbara Lesinski and Connie Breach, who along with Ahbez-Anderson, were instrumental in fighting for Repollet’s appointment to the district, called the appointment bittersweet.

“Anyone who really wanted to give it shot deserved it,” Lesinski said.

“I was very privileged to be a part of the Superintendent search,” Breech said. “I’m glad I had the opportunity to vote for you and to fight for you. I’m glad that you fought for our district these last four years. I know in your heart you will continue to fight at the state level not only for us but for every student.”

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