Superintendent’s Biography
Dr. Barbara Sargent has deep roots in New Jersey, having been raised in the small town of Bound Brook and completing all of her schooling in NJ colleges and universities. A 1986 graduate of Rutgers University, Barbara began her career in education as a 7th grade Language Arts and Social Studies teacher for the West Windsor-Plainsboro School District.
She continued her education, earning a M.A. in Reading/Language Arts from Rider University in 1992 and a Doctorate in Educational Administration from Seton Hall University in 1997. Dr. Sargent has been widely published in state and national educational journals on topics focusing on women’s leadership, literacy instruction, and smart leadership practices.
Barbara’s work in educational leadership has afforded her the opportunity to work in many fine communities, including Somerset Hills, Montgomery Township, Madison, and Readington Township. She served as Principal of Village School and Orchard Hills School in Montgomery Township for six years, earning a NJ Principal of the Year recognition in 2003. As Assistant Superintendent for the Madison School District, Barbara partnered with amazing educators to enrich the district curricula and lead academic initiatives that elevated Madison High School in state rankings.
Dr. Sargent assumed the role of Superintendent of Schools in Readington Township (Hunterdon County) in 2011 and led the district through Strategic Planning initiatives that resulted in Full Day Kindergarten, Mandarin language instruction, online coursework for students, and Green Ribbon recognition in environmental/sustainable practices for three of the district’s elementary schools.
In July 2017, Barbara proudly joined the Parsippany-Troy Hills Township School District as Superintendent of Schools. She delights every day in seeing the extraordinary work ethic of the school community’s educators, students, and staff. Recent enrichments in the district have included the implementation of an elementary strings instruction program, additional Advanced Placement classes, and increased opportunities for teacher leadership.
Over the years, Barbara has taught and facilitated workshops and graduate level classes to current and aspiring school leaders that focus on leadership, literacy instruction, and student voice. She has served as an adjunct professor for Seton Hall University, Drew University, and Ramapo College, teaching courses in school leadership, curriculum, and research.
Barbara is the proud mom of three Eagle Scout sons: Cody (27), a Civil Engineer who lives with his wife in Maine; Tyler (25) who just received his M.A. from St. Andrews University Graduate Film Studies program in Scotland; and Quinn (21), the family vegetarian who attends Rutgers University and is studying for the LSAT.
