This spring, the Pennsauken Board of Education proudly announced the appointment of Dr. James Bevere as the new superintendent of Pennsauken Public Schools. Officially assuming his role on June 1, Dr. Bevere brings over three decades of experience in education, a deep commitment to student achievement, and a forward-thinking vision to one of New Jersey’s most tradition-rich districts.

A veteran educator and administrator, Dr. Bevere arrives in Pennsauken at a time when public education is rapidly evolving to meet the diverse needs of today’s students. From strengthening career and technical education (CTE) pathways to fostering inclusive school environments and forging stronger community partnerships, Dr. Bevere is ready to lead with integrity, purpose, and a student-centered approach.

“I believe Pennsauken is ahead of the curve,” said Dr. Bevere. “This district offers students unique, high-quality career and technical education opportunities that are hard to find in many public school systems today. Students here can graduate with industry-recognized certifications or pre-certifications in high-demand fields like welding, culinary arts, cosmetology, and electrical work. At the same time, we provide a rigorous traditional academic pathway that prepares students for college and beyond. Pennsauken is truly at the tip of the spear in shaping what the future of education looks like.”

Dr. Bevere’s commitment to ensuring all students have access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed is clear. “It is my responsibility to ensure that every student in Pennsauken has access to the wealth of programs we offer. Academic success should never be dictated by circumstance. I want every child in this town to attend Pennsauken Public Schools because they believe and know we have everything they need to succeed.”

Dr. Bevere comes to Pennsauken from Hillside Public Schools, where he served as director of curriculum and instruction since May 2020. In that role, he led district-wide efforts to enhance instructional quality, align curriculum with state standards, and improve student outcomes.

His impressive career in education spans several key leadership positions across New Jersey. He has served as assistant principal and supervisor of social studies, K–12, at Carteret Middle School; and as principal of Franklin High School in Somerset, Wall High School, South Hunterdon Middle/High School, and Sparta High School. Earlier in his career, he worked as a social studies teacher and program facilitator at Eastern Regional High School in Voorhees and Triton Regional High School in Runnemede.

“I went into education because of my mother, who was a teacher. Watching the way she impacted lives was inspiring; everywhere we went, people knew her and remembered her,” Dr. Bevere shared. “A great teacher can alter the entire trajectory of a student’s life. That is why, if given the choice, I would invest in teachers before anything else, before technology, before programs, before facilities. Teachers are the ones who make the magic happen.”

Having spent many years in the classroom himself, Dr. Bevere carries that perspective with him into his administrative decisions.

“I know what it feels like to grade papers late into the night, write lesson plans, and walk into a classroom on a cold February morning when no one wants to be there,” he said. “That firsthand experience grounds me. When I make decisions as a superintendent, I always consider what it will mean for the teacher standing in front of 25 students. You can’t lead schools effectively without having walked in those shoes.”

Dr. Bevere is a passionate advocate for educators and places a high value on their professional development and well-being.

“Teachers are so much more than content deliverers. They know when to speed up, when to slow down, how to differentiate on the fly. They build personal connections with students that no technology can replicate. A great teacher is like plutonium; you invest in them, you protect them, and you give them every opportunity to shine. I’m committed to building a culture where teachers feel respected, supported, and empowered.”

While superintendent contracts typically begin in July, Dr. Bevere, at the recommendation of his former superintendent Erskine Glover, chose to begin his tenure a month early.

“June is a crucial time in schools,” Dr. Bevere explained. “It’s a month of transitions, graduations, award ceremonies, and end-of-year celebrations. Dr. Glover encouraged me to use this time to observe, listen, and begin forming relationships. It also means that when September arrives, I will not be a new face walking into buildings. That early connection matters. It means we can start the year focused and united.”

Looking ahead to the 2025–2026 school year and beyond, Dr. Bevere is focused on several strategic goals designed to build on the district’s strengths and respond to the needs of today’s students.

“First and foremost, I’m here to listen. I want to be an active observer, someone who takes the time to understand the community, the schools, and the people who make Pennsauken what it is. This is not about shaking the tree so hard it breaks. Pennsauken is a strong district, and I want to strengthen it further.”

Dr. Bevere aims to expand and enrich the district’s CTE offerings at the secondary level, ensuring more students have pathways to viable careers after graduation.

“Our CTE programs are exemplary, but I believe we can take them even further. These programs are essential in today’s economy, and we owe it to our students to provide them with opportunities to graduate not just with a diploma, but with skills that translate directly into careers.”

At the same time, he is committed to preserving the district’s traditions and enhancing its sense of community.

“I’ve known about Pennsauken for over 30 years. I know how deeply the tradition runs here. I’m not here to change that; I’m here to honor and enhance it. I want to unite the school district, the township, our business community, and our families. If a child lives in Pennsauken, then we all have a role in helping raise and support them.”

One of Dr. Bevere’s key long-term goals is to solidify the educational foundation in the district’s early learning and elementary programs.

“A strong start is critical. I want to ensure our Pre-K and elementary students have the foundational skills they need to thrive. Whether a student chooses college, the military, or the workforce after graduation, they should leave Pennsauken Public Schools fully prepared for the next chapter in life. No child should be left behind; that’s a commitment I take very seriously.”

As he embarks on this new chapter, Dr. Bevere is clear about his approach: humility, openness, and collaboration.

“I came into this process like anyone else. I submitted an application, interviewed, and was selected. That tells me the Board of Education was intentional about choosing the right leader for this district. I have one goal and one goal only: to make sure that every student who graduates with the Pennsauken ‘P’ on their chest has the tools and opportunities to be successful.”

“I am new to the community, and I know that trust must be earned. I hope the people of Pennsauken will give me the chance to listen, to learn, and to lead with them. This is a partnership, and I’m committed to building it together.”

To begin that partnership, the Pennsauken community is warmly invited to meet and welcome Dr. Bevere at a special event on Tuesday, June 10, from 5:00 to 6:15 p.m. at Pennsauken High School, 800 Hylton Road.