It is an honor to serve as acting superintendent of Robbinsville Public Schools for the 2026-27 school year. I am grateful for the opportunity to lead a district I know well and for a community that cares deeply about its schools.
As I take on this role, my focus is straightforward: our students.
Every decision we make as a school district should begin with a simple question: How does this help our students learn, grow and succeed?
That question has guided me throughout my career in education. I began as an educator working directly with students, later served as a school principal and have spent much of my career focused on curriculum and instruction.
At every step, I have seen the same truth: Student success depends on great teaching, strong relationships and schools that give every child the opportunity to discover what they can do.
That is what I want us to continue building in Robbinsville.
We already have much to celebrate. Every day, our students are succeeding academically, competing on our athletic fields, participating in clubs, performing on our stages and finding new ways to contribute to their schools and community.
Behind those accomplishments are teachers, counselors, coaches, administrators, support staff, families and community members who believe in them and help them move forward.
I want us to tell those stories more often and continually celebrate those achievements. At the same time, we should keep asking what more we can do to help every student thrive.
Success will not look exactly the same for every child. For one student, it may mean admission to a great college or trade school. For another, it may be discovering a career path, mastering a difficult subject, performing in a concert, getting a competitive job, making a team, taking on a leadership role, building confidence or simply reaching a moment when they can say, “I can do this.”
Our responsibility is to create those opportunities for every student and to make sure each child feels seen, supported and challenged along the way.
My background in curriculum and instruction will continue to guide that work. This year, we will remain focused on strong academic programs, meaningful professional development for our educators and a challenging curriculum that prepares students for college, careers and life.
We will also continue to examine where students need greater support and where new opportunities can help them go further.
None of this happens without partnership. Our teachers and staff bring tremendous expertise and commitment to their work. Our families know their children best. And Robbinsville is fortunate to have a community that wants to see its students succeed.
As acting superintendent, I will listen, communicate and work collaboratively with all of you. I also will spend as much time as possible in our schools, classrooms and at student activities because that is where the work of a school district comes to life.
Public education will always bring challenges, but those challenges should never distract us from focusing on student growth.
I am excited about the year ahead and grateful for the opportunity to serve this community. There is much to be proud of in Robbinsville and even more for us to accomplish together.
Kristy DeFazio is the acting superintendent of the Robbinsville Public School District for the 2026-27 school year
