Morton to step down June 30

SPARTA — After 10 years as Sparta's Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Thomas Morton will retire at the end of this school year. Although his current contract will not expire until 2015, Morton chose to begin his retirement now.

The announcement came at Monday night’s board of education meeting when President Keith Smith read a brief statement from Morton, who was attending the state Association of School Administrator’s conference and was not at the meeting. Only Smith and school board vice president Dorothy LaBeau knew about Morton’s plans and the news took other board members by surprise.

The board unanimously passed a resolution to accept Morton’s retirement and said they would initiate procedures to begin the search for a new superintendent. The position will be formally posted in this Sunday’s Star Ledger, as well as internally posted within the district, and the board will begin accepting applications immediately.

Smith said it is with regret that he accepts Morton’s retirement. “Dr. Morton has served this district well,” Smith said. “We appreciate his leadership and his contributions to Sparta’s public schools. We wish him good health and good luck in his retirement.”

Board member Frank Favichia asked if there were any other reasons for Morton’s departure, but Smith said there was nothing else, just a standard retirement.

During his time in Sparta, Morton has ushered in many changes that have brought him both staunch supporters as well as indefatigable critics. “If you look at his tenure, Dr. Morton has accomplished a lot for Sparta, most notably, getting the new high school built," said board member Maureen Myre. "That facility will be a great benefit to this district for years to come. I personally wish him and his family well.”

Morton told the Independent Tuesday that he submitted his retirement papers to the state on May 1, as per the 60-day notice requirement. He said he is not sure yet what his future plans are but he will certainly take more time to relax and be with his family. He said he will be available to help the board in whatever way they need as they look for his replacement.

Morton earned his undergraduate degree in mathematics and education at Bucknell University and holds a master's as well as a doctorate degree in education from Rutgers University. He began his career as a math teacher in 1971, and has been a superintendent in New Jersey since 1985, having served in Lafayette, Allendale and Sparta.

“Tom led this district through a time of monumental change this past decade in Sparta," said board member Kevin Pollison. "I wish him nothing but the best in his future.”