New Bristol Twp. School District Superintendent Says Schools Need To Be ‘Positive & Supportive’

Michael Nitti will officially serve as the Bristol Township School District’s next superintendent.

At their meeting Thursday evening, the school board voted to hire Nitti under a five-year contract that will pay him $210,000 a year.

The new superintendent will be starting at the Bristol Township School District on Monday, November 21. He has provided notice that he is leaving his post to his current employer, the Ewing Township (New Jersey) Public Schools, where he has served as superintendent since 2009.

Nitti, a father and husband, said he knew he wanted to be a teacher from the time he was in college and worked in the classroom as soon as he graduated.

“The most important work done each day is in the schools, in the classrooms with these kids,” he said.

Nitti called his move from the classroom to administration a “difficult decision” that challenged him and helped him grow as an administrator.

Nitti said he will focus on the students and was pleased to see how much concentration on the students the Bristol Township School District staff and administration already provide.

“I look forward to coming on board,” Nitti said. “I’m really looking forward to making this journey.”

As Nitti prepares the end his time leading the Ewing school system and head across the Delaware River to Bristol Township, he will be submitting a plan to the Bristol Township School District in advance of him starting.

Nitti has seen Ewing Township Public School through a large facilities overhaul project.

Bucks County Intermediate Unit Executive Director Dr. Mark Hoffman, who assisted the Bristol Township School District with the search for its next leader, talked with Nitti and read off questions from the public.

Nitti said he is coming to Bristol Township from New Jersey, which has among the most comprehensive school bullying programs.

“Our schools have to be as positive and supportive as possible,” he said.

Nitti said he also plans to expand communication between the parents and district. He also aims to fine-tune the platforms to alert parents of important incidents.

“There’s great stories in our schools and people need to know about them,” he said.

After the COVID-19 shutdowns and returning to classrooms, there is a responsibility everyone shares to make students successful and the district needs to focus on learning and making schools positive and fun for students, Nitti said.

The new superintendent said schools need to focus on people coming together and inclusiveness.

Nitti said he plans to be visible and available to parents who reach out.

Nitti is taking the place of Superintendent Dr. Melanie Gehrens, who retired after 14 years at the district, including seven as the district’s leader.

The Bucks County Intermediate Unit hosted national search for the new superintendent.

The intermediate unit had 21 candidates apply for the job. A total of 10 finalist were picked, interviewed, and five finalist went through a second round of interviews. A third and final round for the final two candidates was held.

Nitti was chosen as the top candidate, which he said included long conversations with the school board.

Right after Nitti’s contract was approved, the district’s Drummer with Attitude group performed and the new superintendent and several school district officials took part.

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