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James Mullevey Principal With Principles
07/01/2007 - By By Tobi Drucker Tesoriero
It is both representative and exemplary that, when he learned that he had been awarded Best Administrator in the State of New Jersey this year by the New Jersey Student Councils, Jim Mullevey was surprised and humbled.
It is both representative and exemplary that, when he learned that he had been awarded Best Administrator in the State of New Jersey this year by the New Jersey Student Councils, Jim Mullevey was surprised and humbled.
No one who knows him well would have been surprised, however; except maybe that it took this long.
As the retiring Principal of Marlboro High School – after 11 years on the job (and 36 years total in the education field) – Jim is well-loved by faculty, students, and parents — and with good reason! His dedication to his job is evidenced by outstanding results for the school’s students, such as a 98% rate of going on to either 2- or 4-year institutions of higher learning. In addition, he estimates that about 1,000 of the kids – almost half – stay after school participating in various activities that are offered, such as the more than 60 clubs available. The fact that Marlboro H.S. often remains open for an additional 5–7 hours each day for such options is indicative of the philosophy that Jim engendered during his long tenure, one which embraces not merely the academic functions but also views the school’s mandate as a holistic one, including social and emotional aspects, in accordance with the mission of the Freehold Regional High School District: “…to develop global lifelong learners through a comprehensive educational program of diverse and enriching opportunities within a supportive environment. The district’s educational community fosters the development of character, initiative, creativity, and excellence, while maximizing the unique potential of each individual.”
Jim Mullevey certainly believes this to be true and has put the ideas into real and rewarding practice. By so doing, he has helped insure a balanced, well-rounded, healthy nurturing of our young people, and his efforts have certainly been appreciated by all. His “hands-on” approach even includes his attending many of the special events fostered by the school, and he says he tries to know all his students each year (but seemed abashed to confess that he didn’t know the names of absolutely every one; small wonder, considering that at last count there were 2,275!)
Originally growing up in Massachusetts, Jim says he fell in love with New Jersey when he moved here in 1967, attending Monmouth University (then Monmouth College), and credits his parents and aunt for being the primary positive influences upon him regarding ethics and values to live by (both his mother and aunt were teachers). He loves the people in Marlboro – parents and students – and has great respect and appreciation for the township’s administration, particularly the Police Department and the Alliance, and especially the efforts of Nancy Horowitz. He noted their commitment, willingness to listen, and caring, particularly for the rights of the children.
Concerning his impending retirement (on August 1, 2007), he admits to bittersweet feelings about it: he’s certainly looking forward to being able to spend more time with his wife Maria (who just retired last year herself, as a teacher in the Red Bank Primary School); his sons, both of whom work in the financial field: Patrick, 30 - a former Captain in the Marine Corps, who served in Iraq - and Jimmy, 32; and his grandchild. He also is planning on traveling, being a consultant, and perhaps writing a book about his experiences as an administrator and educator (he was a teacher and curriculum coordinator, as well as vice-principal and principal of several other schools before coming to Marlboro); but he says he will miss his job and the people who made it so worthwhile, though he says he has no regrets.
Nor should he. Having served a full and praiseworthy career, he now hopes to turn over the reins to other capable individuals to both follow in his footsteps and ultimately find their own paths, as he did. In his final speech at the school’s graduation ceremonies, he said he plans on using the words of one of his favorite poets, Robert Frost, in suggesting to the students that they “go down the road less taken,” feeling they will thereby discover more. He also indicated that among his most memorable experiences has been when a student thanks him. He has shown by example that, by taking such a high and difficult road himself, he has fully earned the thanks and respect of us all. –by Rich Fireman
Are you or someone you know in Marlboro a “Person on the Move”? If you’ve got a story to tell this could be you! E-mail a brief description to us at info@livinginmedia.com and let us know who you are.
STATS
Favorite restaurants: Nonna’s and Brioso’s
Favorite musician: Tony Bennett
Favorite movie: Shawshank Redemption
Pet peeve: unshined shoes
Three people you would like to have dinner with: Derek Jeter, for his drive and athletic ability; Oprah Winfrey, for her humanitarian efforts; and Ann Curry of NBC News, for her journalistic talent and compassion for people
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