OCEAN COUNTY – Following the sudden and unfortunate passing of Ocean County Vocational Technical School’s longtime superintendent William P. Hoey, Jr., OCVTS has announced Mrs. Karen Homiek as Acting Superintendent.
Homiek got her start at OCVTS back in 1997 as an instructor at the OCVTS Enrichment Center, an alternative high school setting for at risk students where she was named Dean of Students. From there, she became an OCVTS Adult Education Evening School Supervisor and later Principal of the Jackson Center. Homiek also lead the Lakehurst Center as the Principal of the Performing Arts Academy (PAA), the Audio Recording and Aviation share time programs, and the full time culinary program housed on campus.
“Under her leadership, the Performing Arts Academy has developed into a top performance learning facility, currently in the top 93% in public school rankings, as well as earning the Blue Ribbon School of Excellence status by the US Department of Education,” read a press release from OCVTS. “Mrs. Homiek has been instrumental in the development of a partnership with Ocean County College, creating a pathway for PAA students to earn an Associate’s Degree along with their high school diploma.”
The Performing Arts Academy will be relocating to a new state-of-the-art facility on the campus of Ocean County College in early 2020.
With a Master’s of Education from Seton Hall University and a Masters of Arts degree in Education Leadership from New Jersey City University, Homiek is well-prepared for her new leadership role.
Homiek stated: “Creating an individual education philosophy truly makes one consider what nutrients are essential to helping today’s children, our future, to flourish as good citizens, ignite a passion for learning and help them actualize their potentials. My career in education began after working in industry and staying at home raising my own children for a number of years. These experiences, along with my classroom principles and administrative practices have helped me establish those education ideologies that I believe, as a district leader, are critical to individual student development, career readiness, and academic growth.
“It is the role of the district leader to create a school climate that emanates safety, acceptance, and promotes learning. Through leading by example, demonstrating integrity and making good decisions, one has the ability to revolutionize an entire school community and enrich the learning experience. I am excited to be in the position to strengthen student achievement and outcomes based on industry driven instruction and curriculum. Career and Technical Education empowers students with the experience, academia, and 21st Century skills necessary to succeed in a global landscape of connectivity. I am blessed and honored to be part of this dynamic district.”
