HOWELL – As the 2023-24 school year came to an end, students and staff said goodbye to their beloved principal who is now retiring.
Dr. James P. Quinn, Jr. served Newbury Elementary in Howell Township for 22 years, after joining the district in 2002 when he became principal.
As Quinn closes his chapter of being Newbury principal, the school itself is also closing a chapter. For the 2024-25 school year, Newbury will transition from an elementary school to an early learning center in order to make room for the expanded Pre-K.
At the June Board of Education meeting, Quinn was among the several retirees honored for their dedication and love they’ve put into Howell Schools.
Superintendent Joseph Isola spoke about his experience with Quinn, as they’ve been colleagues for many years.
“Jim is a gentleman that I love dearly. We served as principals together. In fact, Jim was the president of administrative council, and I was his vice president for a brief period of time,” Isola said. “This man is second to none. He is an advocate with great energy for children. He pulls no punches; he tells it how it is. And if he felt a kid in his school under his charge had a need, he would not stop fighting for one second. Jim, I admire that about you, I always have.”
Isola went on to express his gratitude and revealed how over 150 people attended Quinn’s retirement party.
“That is just an example of how loved he is and how many people he has touched in his career here in Howell as a principal,” Isola noted. “Jim, congratulations. I appreciate you, my friend. You are a unique character and I love you more than anything.”
Dorothea Fernandez, Director of Pupil Services as well as former vice principal of Newbury School, shared kind words to her coworker.
“I parted ways with Dr. Quinn during the ‘great reconfiguration’ of 2015,” Fernandez joked. “We had to separate after 12 years, and during that time I went to Griebling School with half of the children, and he kept the other half at Newbury.”
Dr. James P. Quinn, Jr. pictured with staff members celebrating National School Principals’ Day. (Photo courtesy Howell Schools)
“His leadership and dedication have profoundly shaped our community. His journey at Newbury Elementary School began 22 years ago, and from that very first day, he demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence and education and a deep seated belief in the potential of every student and staff member who walked through our doors. His vision for Newbury was clear; to create an environment where students could thrive academically, socially, and emotionally,” Fernandez said.
Fernandez noted how Quinn was an integral part of the early development of the district’s preschool and autism programs.
“Dr. Quinn cared deeply about his students and his staff and the families of Newbury School,” Fernandez said. “His former students have gone on to achieve great things; teachers have been inspired to innovate; and the community has grown stronger and more cohesive on account of his leadership. All of these are a part of Dr. Quinn’s enduring legacy.”
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