Board names new Superintendent

Quakertown Community School District's new Superintendent, beginning July 1, is Dr. Matthew Friedman, with his family, from left, daughter Hannah, son Ethan, daughter Rachel and wife Rebecca.
Quakertown Community School District's new Superintendent, beginning July 1, is Dr. Matthew Friedman, with his family, from left, daughter Hannah, son Ethan, daughter Rachel and wife Rebecca.

By Gary Weckselblatt

The Quakertown Community School Board is pleased to announce Dr. Matthew Friedman as the new Superintendent to lead the District. Dr. Friedman will replace Dr. Bill Harner, who is retiring after nearly a decade of service.

Dr. Friedman, who signed a four-year contract that begins July 1, was hired after a four-month national search. The search included a community survey that received hundreds of responses, multiple interviews with the School Board along with stakeholder group interviews with parents, community leaders, principals, administrators, teachers, professional office staff, and support staff.

School Board meeting video

The School Board received many highly qualified candidates due to the great reputation of Quakertown Community School District.

“The School Board is excited for Dr. Friedman to join us,” Board President Glenn Iosue said. “Dr. Friedman is the best fit! He is a visionary leader and passionate educator. Dr. Friedman will achieve the next level of excellence for our District. His track record of stellar academic performance, and his desire to help students, families and staff, demonstrates his capability to succeed in this new role.”

School Director Chris Spear said the search process was “extremely comprehensive” and added that the Board “turned over every stone and found the right candidate we were looking for.”

Dr. Matthew Friedman speaks to the School Board.Dr. Friedman, the Superintendent of Ocean City (NJ) School District, is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University and other distinguished universities. He began his career 24 years ago as a teacher and truly loved his time in the classroom. He realized the need to make an impact of more students and became an administrator.

“I am honored to serve as the new Superintendent of the Quakertown Community School District. I look forward to partnering with our students, parents and families, staff, school board and our community in accomplishing the District’s mission and vision.” Dr. Friedman said. “This prepares our students for life after graduation as well-rounded, responsible individuals and engaged citizens in contributing their knowledge and skills to our global community.”

He and his wife, Rebecca, have three children – Hannah, 11, Rachel, 9, and 6-year-old Ethan. He is an avid sports fan and enjoys watching and playing sports. Most weekends you’ll find him cheering on his kids at the track or on the cross county course. Visiting every Major League Baseball park is on his bucket list.

Dr. Friedman described coming to Quakertown as “a bit of a full circle moment for me. About 12 years ago, I visited Quakertown Community School District because of the innovative work you were doing here. At the time, I was an assistant superintendent of a growing school district just north of Pittsburgh. I brought a team of administrators out here to collaborate and be inspired.
"I remember thinking and telling my wife that I would truly love to work here someday. And here we are today."

Dr. Friedman has a wealth of experience. He advanced in his career with positions of increasing
responsibility over the years. This has included Assistant Principal, Chief Academic Officer, Assistant Superintendent, and Superintendent at top ranked schools. He makes tremendous strides in implementing successful and innovative programs to help students improve their performance in pursuing college or a career.

Gary Weckselblatt, QCSD Director of Communications, writes about the people and the programs that impact the Quakertown Community School District. He can be reached at 215-529-2028 or [email protected].

Website by SchoolMessenger Presence. © 2024 SchoolMessenger Corporation. All rights reserved.