Incoming superintendent Jamil Maroun outlines priorities, emphasizes local ties

Jamil Maroun introduced himself as Franklin Township’s next superintendent of schools and said his first priority is to "listen and learn" from students, staff, families and community leaders.

Maroun opened the video message by framing his candidacy through local roots: "This community helped shape who I am," he said, describing childhood hours spent "playing ball in our parks" and participating in neighborhood activities. He said his family moved to Franklin when he was young and that he and his wife later chose Franklin Township when buying their first home.

He outlined his career in education, saying he began as a social studies teacher and later served "as superintendent of schools in the Manville School District for the last 5 years." Maroun described roles as curriculum supervisor, principal and assistant superintendent before that.

Maroun presented his guiding principles in plain terms: "Every child deserves to be known, supported, challenged, and given every opportunity to succeed." He argued that educators should be supported so students can thrive, saying "when we invest in our teachers, our support staff, our administrators, and all those who serve our students, we create conditions for students to thrive." He also framed his aim as creating community schools where students "feel safe, valued, connected, and inspired."

On diversity and preparation, Maroun said Franklin's diversity is a strength and that the district should prepare students for "college and career, but also for citizenship in an increasingly interconnected world." He said these convictions inform his approach to leadership.

Maroun closed by thanking the Board of Education for its trust and expressing eagerness to meet residents, students and staff in the coming weeks. "I look forward to meeting with you in the coming weeks and months," he said, adding a local sign-off: "Go Warriors."