Ocean City Schools Names New Superintendent

Our school district has found its next leader. The Ocean City Board of Education approved Dr. Brian Latwis as the district's new superintendent at their meeting on Thursday, marking the beginning of a new chapter for our community's educational future.

Latwis, who has served as superintendent of the Barnegat Township School District for eight years, was selected after a rigorous two-month process involving applicant screenings and multiple rounds of interviews with board members. He'll step into the role this summer, following the retirement of current Ocean City Superintendent of Schools Christian Angelillo.

"Dr. Angelillo has done a great job," Latwis said in a news release Friday announcing his appointment. "I look forward to working with him and the administrative team during the transition and developing relationships with the staff and this highly engaged community."

A Lifelong Learner with Deep Roots in Education

What sets Latwis apart is his commitment to continuous growth. He recently earned National Superintendent Certification from AASA, the School Superintendents Association, participating in a two-year program alongside fellow superintendents from across the country. It's this dedication to learning that he hopes to bring to our classrooms and administrative offices.

His educational credentials are impressive: a bachelor's degree in special education from New Jersey City University, a master's degree in administration and supervision from Georgian Court University, and a doctorate in educational leadership from Rowan University. With a strong background in special education, Latwis regularly leads professional development and previously served as Barnegat's director of special education and as director of student services in the Keansburg School District.

Why Ocean City?

When asked what drew him to our community, Latwis didn't hesitate. He cited the district's academic strengths, community connections, and impressive teacher retention rates as key factors in his decision.

"Ocean City has a great reputation. They have a strong community. Everyone roots and rallies for the district," he said. "The board is super-motivated to see the district do well."

Perhaps most telling is his appreciation for what makes our town unique. Latwis recognizes that the shore environment isn't just a backdrop—it's an integral part of how our students learn and grow.

"There are amazing opportunities for education and activities in this unique shore community," he said. "I am excited to work in a district where we can easily connect students to both nature and their neighborhoods."

Proven Track Record

During his tenure in Barnegat, Latwis oversaw significant achievements across academics, activities, and facilities. Under his leadership, the district developed a competitive esports team and an award-winning arts program complete with a recording studio. Barnegat has been named one of the "Best Communities for Music Education" by the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation for seven consecutive years.

The district's pre-kindergarten program earned a four-star rating from Grow NJ Kids, a state-sponsored initiative to raise the quality of early learning and childcare throughout the state.

"There is not one single thing that really stands out," Latwis said of his career in district leadership. "It is the tangible evidence that you are putting students in a place to succeed day after day and year after year."

A Team-First Approach

A sign in Latwis' office displays a quote from Babe Ruth: "Every strike brings me closer to a home run." It's a philosophy that reflects both his love of sports and his growth mindset—a belief that setbacks are simply stepping stones to success.

He describes his leadership style as "building relationships with accountability," emphasizing collaboration over isolation. "I have high standards for myself and others," he said. "However, I always have been a team guy, and I quickly learned that you do not have to tackle every situation that arises by yourself. If you trust and empower your team, everyone works together to find solutions."

Kevin Barnes, president of the Ocean City Board of Education, expressed enthusiasm about the appointment. "Brian brings an impressive background and energy and enthusiasm for education to this role," Barnes said in the release. "We look forward to collaborating on ways to continue the Ocean City School District's tradition of academic excellence while offering students a wide range of opportunities."

As Latwis prepares to join our community, he sees a district with a solid foundation and unlimited potential. "The staff is really invested, the board is invested and the community is invested," he said. "When everyone is working together in the same direction, special things come out of that."