BARNEGAT – A period of transition is underway in the Barnegat Township School District as Superintendent Dr. Brian Latwis prepares to step down after eight years leading the district, leaving behind a tenure defined by structural change, academic gains, and expanded student programs.
Latwis, 46, became superintendent on July 1, 2018, and spent approximately 11 years in the district overall. He is resigning to take the superintendent position in the Ocean City School District.
The Barnegat School District serves approximately 3,767 students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, all from within the township. During Latwis’ tenure, the district underwent one of its most significant transformations with the 2020 reconfiguration plan that shifted schools away from neighborhood assignments to a grade banding model.
The change drew strong resistance from parents, many of whom raised concerns about disrupting school communities and increasing transitions for young students. District leadership moved forward, citing disparities in class sizes and lagging academic performance.
As he leaves the district, Latwis points to the results as validation. He said English Language Arts proficiency rose from about 35 percent to roughly 70 percent, while math proficiency increased from around 30 percent to approximately 55 percent during his tenure.
“That’s a big jump,” he said, noting that in a typical class, the number meeting proficiency standards effectively doubled. He has consistently tied those gains to reconfiguration, saying the ability to concentrate instruction and resources made a measurable difference.
Beyond academics, Latwis emphasized expanding opportunities for students. The district added programs such as esports and a recording studio, expanded athletics, and improved facilities. Students also saw success beyond the classroom, including acceptance to highly selective colleges and increased participation in competitive programs.
“There is not one single thing that really stands out,” he said. “It is the tangible evidence that you are putting students in a place to succeed day after day and year after year.”
Latwis also recently earned a National Superintendent Certification from AASA, the School Superintendents Association, completing a two-year program alongside superintendents from across the country. The credential reflects a continued focus on professional growth even as he prepares to leave the district.
Gains Amid Financial Strain
Financial realities remain a central issue. Latwis said the Barnegat district operates more than $20 million below what the state considers adequate funding, forcing administrators to be strategic in how they allocate resources and maintain programs.
Board of Education President Scott Sarno echoed those concerns while highlighting progress under Latwis’ leadership. He said the district has strengthened its academic standing, improved alignment with state standards, and expanded student opportunities through programming and facility upgrades.
Sarno noted that the board works alongside administration on a rolling multi-year plan that guides budgeting and long-term improvements. He also acknowledged pressures tied to enrollment growth and space limitations in certain schools, issues that will likely continue to be part of future discussions.
With Latwis’ departure, the board is now beginning the process of selecting its next superintendent. The position will be posted through statewide education networks, with applications expected over the coming weeks. A board committee will conduct initial interviews before narrowing the field and bringing finalists before the full Board of Education.
Sarno said the process is expected to include multiple rounds of interviews and will likely extend into early summer. He also emphasized the importance of community involvement, noting that the district plans to hold a public forum to gather input from parents, staff, and other stakeholders before a final decision is made.
The goal, he said, is to ensure the district selects a leader who reflects both the priorities of the board and the expectations of the community, while maintaining stability heading into the next school year.
Latwis’ contract includes a 90-day notice provision, meaning he is expected to remain in the district into the summer as the transition unfolds. An interim superintendent is expected to be appointed to ensure continuity until a permanent replacement is in place.
He will then take over in the Ocean City School District, a pre-kindergarten through 12th grade system that enrolls 1,877 students across three schools. The district also has established sending relationships, with students from Sea Isle City attending for all grade levels and high school students from Corbin City, Longport, and Upper Township attending Ocean City High School.
Latwis said he was drawn to Ocean City’s strong academic reputation and engaged community.
“Ocean City has a great reputation. They have a strong community. Everyone roots and rallies for the district,” he said.
As he prepares to leave Barnegat, Latwis emphasized that the district’s progress reflects a collective effort rather than any single initiative. “I think the district is in a stronger position,” he said. “That is a testament to the leadership team and the staff. This was all of us.”
