Barnegat Schools Superintendent Completes National Certification Program

BARNEGAT, NJ — Barnegat Township School District Superintendent Brian Latwis has completed the AASA National Superintendent Certification Program as part of the East Cohort, the district announced.

The two-year program, run by AASA, The School Superintendents Association, is designed to support superintendents as they prepare students to graduate and succeed as students and citizens.

Latwis participated in the program with about 30 superintendents from across the country. To receive the certification, he took part in four in-person conferences, attended virtual meetings twice a month and completed a capstone project focused on a real-world challenge in Barnegat Township School District. AASA also held a completion ceremony in Nashville, Tennessee, which Latwis attended.

According to the district, the certification program focused on major areas of superintendent leadership, including ethics and professional norms, board relations, communication strategies, organizational culture, instructional leadership, community engagement, operations and management, and legislative advocacy. The program also emphasized building a shared vision for student achievement, social-emotional learning and system-wide improvement.

“I plan to continue building on the strong foundation we already have in Barnegat Township School District by applying the strategies and insights gained through the program,” said Latwis. “This includes strengthening our culture, enhancing communication, and continuing to focus on student-centered decision-making. Ultimately, it’s about taking what we already do well and elevating it to an even higher level.”

Latwis said one of the most important parts of the experience was its emphasis on culture and vision.

“What stood out most to me about the program was the focus on organizational culture and building a shared vision,” said Latwis, “It reinforced the importance of highlighting and amplifying the great work already happening in Barnegat Township - our district truly has so much to be proud of, and that work deserves to be celebrated and expanded.”

BTSD Superintendent Dr. Brian Latwis shaking hands AASA member Kimberly Saunders after receiving his AASA National Superintendent Certification Program certificate.

The district also said the program gave Latwis the chance to work with superintendents from around the country. That collaboration provided insight into similarities and differences among districts, regardless of size or location. According to the district, that experience reaffirmed that many challenges superintendents face are shared and can be addressed through leadership and collaboration.