Ocean City School Board Names New Superintendent

OCEAN CITY, NJ — Ocean City school board members confirmed Brian Latwis as the next superintendent of the Ocean City School District at their April 30 Board of Education meeting.

Latwis has served as superintendent of the Barnegat Township School District for eight years and was selected after what the district described as a two-month process that included applicant screenings and multiple rounds of interviews with board members. He will begin the job this summer following the retirement of current superintendent Christian Angelillo.

Latwis said he was eager to begin the transition.

“Dr. Angelillo has done a great job,” Latwis said. “I look forward to working with him and the administrative team during the transition and developing relationships with the staff and this highly engaged community.”

According to the announcement, Latwis was drawn to Ocean City because of the district’s academic strengths, community connections and teacher retention. He also said the shore setting creates opportunities for students.

“Ocean City has a great reputation. They have a strong community. Everyone roots and rallies for the district,” he said. “The board is super motivated to see the district do well.”

“There are amazing opportunities for education and activities in this unique shore community,” he said. “I am excited to work in a district where we can easily connect students to both nature and their neighborhoods.”

Latwis brings a background in special education and school administration. Before becoming Barnegat’s superintendent, he served as that district’s director of special education and was director of student services in the Keansburg School District. He earned a bachelor’s degree in special education from New Jersey City University, a master’s degree in administration and supervision from Georgian Court University, and a doctorate in educational leadership from Rowan University. The announcement also said he recently completed a two-year National Superintendent Certification program through AASA, the School Superintendents Association.

Board President Kevin Barnes said members are ready to work with him.

“Brian brings an impressive background and energy and enthusiasm for education to this role,” Barnes said. “We look forward to collaborating on ways to continue the Ocean City School District’s tradition of academic excellence while offering students a wide range of opportunities.”

The district said Latwis oversaw academic, activity and facilities gains during his eight years in Barnegat, including a competitive esports team, an award-winning arts program, a new athletic field and a pre-K program that earned a four-star Grow NJ Kids rating.

As he prepares to take over in Ocean City, Latwis described his approach as “building relationships with accountability” and said, “I have high standards for myself and others.”