NJASA Names NJASA Regional Superintendents of the Year

The New Jersey Association of School Administrators (NJASA) has selected the 2026 NJASA Regional Superintendents of the Year. They are: Dr. John R. Giacchi, Chief Education Officer, Franklin Borough School District; and Dr. Raymond A. González, Chief Education Officer, Westfield Public School District.

The Regional Superintendents of the Year will be introduced at the Annual Fall Workshop in Atlantic City on Tuesday, October 21st. The Workshop is co-sponsored by NJASA, the New Jersey Association of School Business Officials (NJASBO), and the New Jersey School Boards Association (NJSBA).

“On behalf of NJASA, it is an honor to recognize and congratulate New Jersey’s 2026 Regional Superintendents of the Year,” said NJASA Executive Director Dr. Richard G. Bozza. “These outstanding chief education officers exemplify vision, creativity, and compassion in their leadership, making a lasting difference for the students, staff, and communities they so proudly serve.”

“I am honored to be named a Regional Superintendent of the Year,” said Dr. John R. Giacchi. “This recognition reflects the collective efforts of my Board of Education, dedicated staff, and the entire Franklin Borough School community. This shared achievement celebrates our commitment to excellence and to supporting the whole child in every aspect of their growth.”

Dr. John R. Giacchi is an accomplished educational leader with over two decades of experience in school administration, curriculum development, and instructional leadership. Currently serving as Superintendent of the Franklin Borough School District since 2016, he oversees a comprehensive PreK–8 program, where he has led transformational initiatives in curriculum innovation, strategic planning, and student-centered instruction. A forward-thinking administrator, Dr. Giacchi has prioritized the social and emotional well-being of students and staff. He has leveraged community agencies and championed initiatives such as universal preschool, NJTSS-ER, PBSIS, the Big Brother Big Sister mentoring program and the Wingman Program.

“Being named a Regional Superintendent of the Year is a true honor,” said Dr. Raymond A. González. “It is truly an honor and a reflection of the extraordinary work happening across all our schools. I’m deeply grateful to our students, staff, families, and Board of Education, as this recognition reaffirms our shared commitment to fostering inclusive, innovative learning environments where every child can thrive.”

Dr. Raymond A. González is an accomplished leader with a distinguished record of service at the school, district, and regional levels. Since joining Westfield in August 2021, he has drawn upon his extensive administrative experience and personal commitment to education to guide the district with vision, collaboration, and innovation. His career reflects a steady progression of leadership roles across New Jersey school systems, including serving as Superintendent of the Westwood Regional School District, Superintendent in Wayne Township, and Interim Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent of Hackensack Public Schools.

The next step in the process for the regional recipients will be the selection of a New Jersey candidate to participate in the AASA National Superintendent of the Year Award. A committee of NJASA Past Presidents and former Regional Superintendents of the Year will select the 2026 New Jersey Superintendent of the Year. Now in its 39th year, the National Superintendent of the Year® Program pays tribute to the talent and vision of the men and women who lead our nation’s public schools. This program is sponsored by First Student, Corebridge Financial and AASA.

The selection qualifications for the State and National Superintendent of the Year include: meeting the needs of their students, demonstrated communication strength, a commitment to professional development and growth, and significant community involvement.

AASA will announce the National Superintendent of the Year at its Conference on Education in February 2026.

About NJASA:
The New Jersey Association of School Administrators is an organization of chief education officers and school administrators who lead school districts in New Jersey’s 21 counties. The Association’s mission is to ensure a superior statewide system of education. Through ongoing professional training and education, the Association shares knowledge among its members about best practices from both educational and administrative perspectives. Its goal is to move education forward by ensuring the highest quality of instruction for all New Jersey children. The Association is located at 920 West State Street, Trenton, New Jersey 08618-5328.
For more information — PH: 609.599.2900 / Fax: 609.599.9359 / website: www.njasa.net.