Barnegat Superintendent Latwis Takes Ocean City Top Job

The search for a new superintendent of the Ocean City School District is complete with the confirmation of Dr. Brian Latwis at Thursday's Board of Education meeting.

Ocean City's gain is the Barnegat Township School District's loss

Latwis, an experienced school administrator, has been the superintendent of the Barnegat Township School District for eight years. He was selected after a rigorous two-month process that involved applicant screenings and multiple rounds of interviews with board members.

Latwis, who has led the Barnegat Township School District, will succeed Dr. Christian Angelillo, who is retiring.

The move marks a significant shift for two prominent Jersey Shore districts as Barnegat now begins the search for a successor to a long-tenured leader.

A veteran educator since 2002, Dr. Latwis brings a resume rooted in both special education and administrative growth. Under his leadership in Barnegat, the district saw the expansion of specialized student programs and a focus on community transparency.

Latwis will start in the position this summer.

“Dr. Angelillo has done a great job,” Latwis said. “I look forward to working with him and the administrative team during the transition and developing relationships with the staff and this highly engaged community.”

More on Dr. Brian Latwis

Latwis describes himself as a lifelong learner. His most recent professional development experience was earning a National Superintendent Certification from AASA, the School Superintendents Association. He participated in the two-year program with fellow superintendents from across the country.

Latwis earned a bachelor’s degree in special education from New Jersey City University, a master’s degree in administration and supervision from Georgian Court University, and a doctorate in educational leadership from Rowan University.

Drawn to Ocean City because of the district’s academic strengths and community connections. Latwis is also impressed by the rate of teacher retention.

“Ocean City has a great reputation. They have a strong community. Everyone roots and rallies for the district,” he said. ‘The board is super motivated to see the district do well.”

Latwis also appreciates the role the shore environment plays in students' experiences in the Ocean City School District.

“There are amazing opportunities for education and activities in this unique shore community. I am excited to work in a district where we can easily connect students to both nature and their neighborhoods.”

Big achievements in Barnegat

Over eight years in Barnegat, Latwis has overseen achievements in academics and activities, and facilities improvements.

Latwis is proud of the competitive esports team and award-winning arts program, which includes a recording studio. Barnegat has been named one of the Best Communities for Music Education by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation for seven consecutive years.

A new athletic field expanded opportunities and built school spirit, attracting NFL players Cam Newton and Mike Gesicki to hold youth camps.

The district’s pre-K program earned a four-star rating from Grow NJ Kids, a state-sponsored initiative to raise the quality of early learning and childcare throughout the state.

“There is not one single thing that really stands out," Latwis said of his career in district leadership. "It is the tangible evidence that you are putting students in a place to succeed day after day and year after year.”