Dear Hackensack Public School Community,

I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for the honor and privilege of being selected as the Superintendent of Schools for this exceptional district. It is with great excitement and humility that I join the Hackensack community, and I am sincerely grateful for the trust and confidence you have placed in me to lead our school system. As I step into this role, I am eager to embark on a journey of collaboration and partnership with all members of our community—parents and families, students, teachers, school staff, school administrators, union leaders, community leaders, and the school board. Together, we share a common goal: ensuring that every student in Hackensack has access to a high-quality education that prepares them for a successful future.

While learning about Hackensack Public Schools and visiting schools today, one thing that intrigued me was its logo represented by the comet, and what it symbolized. The famous scientist Carl Sagan once said, "Comets are the most poetic things in the sky." This means that comets have a magical and beautiful quality, almost like poetry written across the stars. Their tails, glowing as they come close to the Sun, represent the beauty that can come from facing challenges. Comets teach us that even in the vastness of space, there's a unique and special story for each one, just as there is for each of us here on Earth. They are like cosmic storytellers, carrying special meanings that have fascinated people for centuries and are often seen as symbols of change, just like how seasons change on Earth. They remind us that life is full of surprises and transformations.

My foremost aspiration is to establish an enduring legacy within our educational community, one that blazes trails and paves the way for success for every student and family. Much like the radiant path of a comet across the night sky, we aim to forge connections that endure, celebrating the unique brilliance of each individual. Together, these diverse lights will form a spectacular array, a testament to our shared commitment to unity in diversity. As we embark on this journey, it is my unwavering commitment to support the Hackensack community in its evolution, transformation, and development. Our collective efforts will propel us forward, aspiring to become not just a leading educational system in New Jersey but a beacon of inspiration for educational excellence everywhere. Through collaboration and celebration, we will create a constellation of successes, leaving an indelible mark that illuminates the path for generations to come.

I am eager to start this great work and look forward to meeting with each stakeholder group to learn from your experiences and perspectives. The community has undoubtedly witnessed shifts in public education, and I am dedicated to understanding how these changes have impacted you. It is through open dialogue and shared insights that we will collectively shape the future of our school system. Our vision for the future is rooted in a commitment to excellence and equity. We will work collaboratively to identify innovative approaches that respond to the evolving needs of our schools and community. This involves expanding support for our dedicated staff, strengthening support for families, providing high quality personalized instruction for students, holding high expectations and belief for ALL, and, above all, fostering an environment where every student thrives.

I am genuinely looking forward to the opportunities ahead, and I am excited to meet and engage with all of you. Let us embark on this journey together, committed to the values of excellence, equity, and innovation. Thank you once again for this incredible opportunity, and I am eager to contribute to the continued success of Hackensack Public Schools.

Sincerely,

Dr. Thomas McBryde Jr.
Superintendent of Schools, Hackensack Public Schools