The Quakertown Community School Board (QCSB) called a special meeting to order on Tuesday evening to appoint Dr. Matthew Friedman as the new superintendent to lead the district. Friedman will be replacing Dr. Bill Harner, who has served the district for over a decade.

            The newly appointed superintendent was chosen after a four-month-long search.

New QCSB Superintendent Dr. Matthew Friedman, \ second from left, with his family Hannah, left, Ethan, center, Rachel, second from right, and wife Rebecca.

Friedman is the current superintendent of schools in the Ocean City, NJ, School District.

The search included a community survey that elicited hundreds of responses. It also consisted of numerous interviews with board members, as well as stakeholder meetings with parents, community leaders, principals, professional staff, teachers and support staff.

            Board President Glenn Iosue said, "He is very passionate about education…The School Board is excited for Dr. Friedman to join us."

            "The search process was extremely comprehensive… we turned over every stone to find a candidate," said board member Chris Spears.

            The board approved a four-year contract term that will begin on July 1, 2023 and continue through June 30, 2027.

            "Thank you. I am humbled and honored to be standing in front of you. Thank you for this opportunity," said Friedman.

            "As superintendent, I will strive for consistent communication, transparency, and community involvement … we will make the Quakertown Community School District exceptional. We will do great things together," he said during remarks made to the meeting.

            Friedman was appointed by the board with his family in attendance. He and his wife, Rebecca, have three children – Hannah, 11, Rachel, 9, and 6-year-old Ethan.

            According to a press release issued by the QCSB, Friedman has over 24 years of experience in the field of education including 19 years in administrative roles. These have included assistant principal, chief academic officer, assistant superintendent, and superintendent at top-ranked schools. He was instrumental in implementing successful and innovative programs to help students improve their performance in pursuing college or a career. Friedman is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University.

            He is an avid sports fan and enjoys watching and playing sports. He plans to visit every Major League Baseball Park in hiis lifetime.