TOMS RIVER – The Ocean County Vocational Technical School lost its longtime superintendent.
William P. Hoey died Tuesday. Details as to the cause were not released publicly.
Hoey, a veteran of the U.S. Navy, served as an educator in Monmouth and Ocean counties for decades.
The OCVTS Board of Education and administration released a statement Wednesday.
“OCVTS is a dynamic, innovative, and purpose driven school district because of the leadership he provided. Bill could often be heard saying that if a decision was ‘good for our students’ then that should be our priority,” the statement read. “This mantra of doing what is right for our students will echo in our hearts and minds here at OCVTS for years to come.”
Hoey started his career at Perth Amboy High School as a graphic arts teacher. He moved to the Monmouth County Vocational School District, where he eventually served as principal for 16 years. It was during that time he developed the district’s collaboration with Brookdale Community College. He was appointed assistant superintendent, and launched a first-of-its-kind career academy during that time.
After 34 years at MCVSD, he was appointed as superintendent of OCVTS in 2002. He is credited with so much of the growth and innovation that has shaped the schools, including its relationship with Ocean County College and its construction of the Marine Academy of Technology and Environmental Science, and most recently, the Performing Arts Academy.
Freeholder Joseph Vicari, the liaison to OCVTS, offered these thoughts Wednesday afternoon.
“Bill Hoey wasn’t just a figurehead. He was a hands-on educator who could often be found in the hallways and classrooms our Vo-Tech schools talking with, and listening to our teachers and our students,” Vicari said. “His personal touch will be greatly missed. I am very fortunate to have worked with Bill for 17 years and I am even more fortunate to have called him my friend.”
The schools are closed Wednesday for a snow day, but counselors will be available to staff and students as they grieve this sudden loss.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
