Dear Galloway School Family,
I would like to first take this opportunity to wish you all a happy and healthy 2023. I hope each of you 
had an enjoyable winter break and were able to make lasting memories with both family and friends.
Prior to introducing myself, I would be remiss if I did not express my deepest gratitude and thanks to Dr. Annette Giaquinto. Over the past few months, she has worked tirelessly to not only support my transition as her successor as superintendent but closed out nearly three decades of public service to the staff, students and community of Galloway Township. During these past months I got to see firsthand Dr. Giaquinto’s attention to detail, but also witnessed the respect she had for everyone she interacted with, most importantly her students. Quite often I would hear people share the old saying that Dr. Giaquinto “has big shoes to fill,” but to be honest no one can fill her shoes, so instead I look to complement her work in the Galloway Township School District.
I consider myself a true “outlier” as defined by Malcolm Gladwell; certainly, not because of my accomplishments or success, but because of the “group” that led me to education and ultimately administration. I first obtained my Bachelor of Science in Business and Marketing from Stockton College in 1998 with every intention of entering the business world. As time progressed, my path changed course as I realized my true calling was to follow in the footsteps of two generations of educators. I started out as a substitute teacher, and then accepted a position as a paraprofessional in an alternative program in the Hammonton Public School District. During this time, I obtained my Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, also from Stockton College, in 2001. I then served for the next seven years as a classroom teacher in grades 6-8 where I taught both Social Studies and Life Skills in Hammonton. While teaching, I received my Masters in Educational Leadership and accepted my first administrative position as a Vice Principal at the William Davies Middle School. After four years as Vice Principal of the Davies School, I was chosen to fill the role of Principal or “Lead Learner”; only the third principal in the school's 25 years. Then in 2017, I had the opportunity to serve in a PreK - 12 school district, asAssistant Superintendent in Egg Harbor Township.
The path traveled is not what is important, but rather the people that helped pave the way. Teachers, students, administrators, parents, and professors all played a significant role in the “group” that led me into education. However, the most important group has been family. Three out of four of my grandparents were employed in public schools as secretary to the Superintendent, Librarians Assistant and Truancy Officer. Both of my parents each served as teachers for over 35 years, and my sister and some of my cousins also currently teach at various grade levels in the public education system. As you can see, education has been at the forefront of my life and in my blood. I am not passionate about one niche in education, but rather the whole world of education. Because of this passion I am excited to now transition to my new role as the next Superintendent in the Galloway Township School District.
With Respect,
Stephen P. Santilli