Released by Lenape Regional High School District
At its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, May 16, the Lenape Regional High School District Board of Education named Carol L. Birnbohm, Ed.D., the new superintendent of schools, effective July 1. The current superintendent, Emily Capella is retiring on June 30.
Birnbohm, who currently serves as assistant superintendent is a graduate of Cherokee High School and has spent her entire career in the Lenape Regional District.
LRHSD Board President Ted Shinske said, “Carol is an asset in part because she has experience at every level of the district; as a student, teacher, coach, administrator and now superintendent; and she has done very well at every level.”
Shinske said the board anticipates a smooth transition and is “very fortunate” to have a candidate of Birnbohm’s caliber who also is familiar with the distinctive culture of the district. “The Lenape District functions much like a supportive, caring family. Carol is highly-regarded within the district for her intelligence, strong work ethic and vision to help every student succeed.”
“I have had the opportunity to work for three different superintendents and have gained a variety of leadership skills from each opportunity,” acknowledged Birnbohm. “Most notably, it has been an honor to work so closely with Emily Capella. She reinforces through all of our initiatives, and on a daily basis, the district’s unwavering commitment to the students. She fosters a sense of collegiality and teamwork among the administration and staff that allows us to all openly problem-solve.”
Birnbohm was named assistant superintendent in 2007, responsible for developing and administering in-service programs and ongoing professional development, as well as providing leadership and guidance on curriculum planning, coordination and evaluation. In addition she also served as district affirmative action officer and anti-bullying coordinator. This June, she will present at the National Girl Bullying Conference on “Empowering the Bystander to Become an Upstander.”
Birnbohm began her career teaching mathematics at Cherokee High School from 1992 until 2001, where she also coached Varsity Lacrosse and Swimming, and was assistant Field Hockey Coach. She was Lacrosse Coach of the Year (New Jersey, South Jersey) in 1998. Birnbohm was assistant principal at Cherokee, from 2001 to 2004, where she also was supervisor of mathematics and guidance. She was promoted to district administration as director of programs and planning, where she served until being named assistant superintendent.
Birnbohm earned her doctorate in education from Wilmington University in New Castle, Del. in May 2010. She also was the recipient of the Audrey K. Doberstein Award for Leadership for outstanding leadership and dedication to the philosophy and mission of Wilmington University that same year.
Birnbohm earned a bachelor of arts in mathematics education from the College of New Jersey, and a master of arts in education administration from Rowan University.
