GT Public Schools Superintendent to Retire in 2012

Thomas D. Seddon, longtime superintendent of , has announced that he will retire on Sept. 1, 2012.

The announcement was made at the GTPS regular board meeting Monday evening.

Seddon, who began his career in education as a middle school math teacher, has held the position of superintendent for seven years.

"This is my 40th year in Gloucester Township. It has been a great career," said Seddon, who will celebrate his 65th birthday in September 2012.

GTPS is the largest K-8 school district in New Jersey. There are eleven schools in all—eight are elementary schools (K-5) and three are middle schools (6-8). The is also located within the district borders.

Seddon plans on a busy final year as superintendent. The district's four major collective bargaining units' contracts expire on June 30, 2012. Seddon said he expects to spend most of the year negotiating new contracts.

Seddon first came to GTPS in 1972 as a math teacher at . From C.W. Lewis, Seddon moved to . In February 1987, he was named assistant principal at . Later, Seddon served as principal at .

In 1991, Seddon made the move to the central office and was named personnel director for the entire district. From that position, he was promoted to assistant superintendent for personnel. Then, in 2004, Seddon received his final promotion, when he was named superintendent of schools.

"When I think of Superintendent Seddon, his dedication to students, teachers, parents, administrators and the entire community stands out," said Timothy Trow, who was hired by Seddon to be the principal of Erial Elementary School.

Seddon plans to use his retirement to spend more time with his grandchildren and explore some of his non-education interests, like fishing and travel.

"We'll see what lies before me when I get there," said Seddon. "For now, there is still lots of work to be done in Gloucester Township."