Princeton public schools name new superintendent

PRINCETON — Princeton Public School District announced its new superintendent in a release Tuesday afternoon.

Stephen Cochrane, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction at Upper Freehold Regional School District, will begin his new duties on Jan. 1.

Cochrane, 53, after signing a four and half year renewable contract, according to the release, he will take over from Judith Wilson, who will retire in December after a nine-year term as superintendent.

Cochrane was selected from more than 50 candidates and will be paid $167,500 per year during the term of his contract, the maximum allowable under New Jersey’s cap on superintendent compensation, according to the release.

“The board is pleased and excited that Mr. Cochrane will be the next superintendent of schools in Princeton,” Board of Education President Timothy Quinn said in the release, “When you look at the leadership profile that was developed based on community feedback, Mr. Cochrane possesses all of the attributes Princeton values. He is a student-centered, collaborative leader with a strong curricular background and an unwavering commitment to open public education.”

During Cochrane’s time in Upper Freehold, the Stone Bridge Middle School was selected as one of 10 schools worldwide to pilot the Big History Project funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

“It was clear from a visit by members of our board to Upper Freehold Regional that Mr. Cochrane is a transformational leader who was universally respected by all stakeholders,” Princeton Board of Education Vice President Andrea Spalla said in the release, “We heard from parents, teachers and administrators about Steve’s passion for his work and his ability to motivate everyone to focus on positive outcomes for every student, every day.”

A graduate of Princeton University who earned his master’s degree in education at Harvard University, Cochrane began a 23-year career in public education as an elementary school teacher in South Brunswick Public Schools.

“I am both honored and overjoyed to have been selected as superintendent to serve the children of Princeton,” Cochrane stated in the release, “I look forward to collaborating with all those who care about our kids, and to giving back to the community that has given so much to me.”