Dennis Tobin moves on, leaves a legacy

BY LIAM DONOVAN
SPARTA — Dennis Tobin, Sparta School District’s current superintendent, recently announced his retirement effective this December. Tobin has been a central figure in the district for years as a Sparta teacher, principal and superintendent. What’s next for both Tobin and the Sparta School District?
“I’m going to take 3 to 6 months off," Tobin said in a recent interview. "I have children close by, family and friends close by. I’m going to spend some time with them during the winter, escaping the cold climate. Six months from now I have a few ideas I’m thinking of, but nothing settled on.
“It’s been a privilege to work here in Sparta. I have many fond memories I will take into the next phase of my life, and I truly believe Sparta School District will continue to be one of the most outstanding school districts in the state of New Jersey.”
Tobin made a significant impact on the district, from teacher and basketball coach to district superintendent. When asked what his most memorable moments in the district were, he said:
“My most memorable moments were successful basketball teams, sharing those successes with our community was special; working as Helen Morgan School principal, nothing like working with young students as they enter the school system; and Sparta High School principal, challenging but good that I was able to lead our district through renovation, a $70 million project at the same site and same the time as school was going on.
"I had the opportunity to watch kindergarteners with excitement on their face, then 13 years later, watch them graduate, prepared for the next phase of life.”
Tobin will be missed by parents and other members of the district community.
“Dennis is always a pleasure to work with whether from the perspective of a Board Member or as a parent of students in the district," said Dorothy LaBeau, former president of the Sparta Education Foundation. "I know he has had a profound impact on Sparta Schools and we were very lucky to have him as our Superintendent for the past 4 years.
"Dennis is such a professional and with his knowledge of school district procedure he is able to put the focus of the group or person on the issue and not the emotion. He truly is one of the best Superintendents in the state and extremely well respected by everyone. I will absolutely miss seeing Dennis in Sparta and at functions. His support of students, staff and the Sparta Education Foundation is immeasurable,”
“The Sparta Education Foundation has been supporting the Sparta School District for ten years providing over $760,000 in grants in that timeframe. As both a principle and as the superintendent, Dennis Tobin has been a major advocate of the foundation. He deeply understands the positive impact these grants have on the district," said Danielle Dykstra, the foundation's current president.
"I was the parent of a student who went through Sparta High School while Dennis was the principal there," Dykstra said. "He treated all the kids fairly and at the banquets for the different activities, he made the effort to attend them and spoke directly to the students about their efforts and achievements. Dennis had a calming demeanor whether with a district-wide issue or an individual student concern. He was a pleasure to work with. I wish Dennis congratulations on his retirement. He set the bar high for those who follow him.”
In the meantime, Sparta School District needs to find a new district superintendent. The district has currently closed taking applications for the position and has formed a committee to pick the new superintendent, according to district officials.