George L. Catrambone LONG BRANCH — The assistant superintendent of the Long Branch public school system has announced that he will be retiring as of Jan. 1, 2010.

George L. Catrambone has assumed many posts during his 34 years of tenure in the Long Branch School District, getting his start as a teacher of the handicapped at the Elberon Elementary School.

He was later promoted to Middle School head teacher of special education and then moved to Long Branch District coordinator of special education, Central Office District administrator preschool- grade 12. In 2002, Catrambone was named assistant superintendent of schools.

As the assistant superintendent of schools, Catrambone, a resident of Wall Township, implemented the educational initiatives of six governors and several commissioners of education.

He was an integral member of the Long Branch administration, who obtained and provided several educational curriculum and school facilities advancements, according to a press release from the Long Branch school district.

His work in special education launched various opportunities for special education, including mainstreaming, resource room and support programs, related services, an enriched curriculum, the Special Olympics, and the development of the indistrict alternative school program for challenged students.

Catrambone played a major role in the Whole School Reform (WSR) initiative, which is the result of the Supreme Court Abbott v. Burke decision of 1998, according to the release.

He was a key part of Long Branch Superintendent of Schools Joseph M. Ferraina's development and implementation of the WSR elementary and secondary schools' curriculum advancements and the provision of a full day preschool for 3- and 4-year-olds.

With the facilities opportunity that WSR afforded, Catrambone's artistic talents helped to develop the interior and exterior design and construction of the new Long Branch schools, including the Joseph M. Ferraina Early Childhood Learning Center, the Amerigo A. Anastasia Elementary School, the Gregory Elementary School, the middle school, the high school, the annex and the Elberon Elementary School, according to the release.

He also helped develop the proposed indoor pool and fitness center, several child-friendly playgrounds at each elementary school, and the most recent design and production of the proposed Long Branch School District's Veterans War Memorial, which will be located on the plaza near the new high school.

Catrambone also designed and developed Long Branch High School's new allpurpose, synthetic-turf field, track and stadium, according to the release.

"George Catrambone has been a tremendous help to me and has served the children of Long Branch for many years," Ferraina said. "I am happy that he is retiring to pursue some of his other passions, but sad that he will not be as readily accessible as he is now.

"I'm glad that I still have another year with him so we can get the Elberon School project going," Ferraina said, adding, "George will be sorely missed, but I know that I can always count on him if I need his help, even after he is retired."

Catrambone has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to the children of Long Branch by the Long Branch Board of Education, who presented him with their Achievement Resolution for work with the Special Olympics and handicapped youth.

Catrambone credits his boss and friend, Ferraina, with much of his success.

"Mr. Ferraina's accomplishments in our district are unprecedented, and I am proud to have been a part of the many positive contributions that our school system has made to our students, families and community," Catrambone said. "His confidence in me has always been valued.

"Under his mentorship, he has given me the opportunity to serve as an administrator, and that has been a privilege I have always appreciated," he said, adding, "I will miss many things, but while we will always remain friends, I will miss my professional association with Mr. Ferraina most of all. He's an awesome leader."

When asked about his future plans, Catrambone said, "It is time for me to rekindle my love for the arts and other activities that will continue to challenge my talents. My retirement is a departure from my formal profession at Central Office, but it will never keep me from offering any future assistance to the Board of Education in any capacity."

Catrambone acknowledged his past superintendents and praised his fellow administrators and district staff, who he is confident will continue to provide the services that the students deserve. He also thanked Board of Education President Violeta Peters, as well as past board presidents and members.

"While I look forward to enjoying retirement, I will deeply miss working with the Long Branch Public Schools' family," Catrambone said.