East Brunswick School Arts Center To Be Named For Retired Educator

This post was submitted by East Brunswick Public School District:

The East Brunswick Board of Education has bestowed this prestigious recognition to Dr. Jo Ann Magistro who had a significant part in the building of the East Brunswick Performing Arts Center (EBPAC). This designation honors Dr. Magistro’s outstanding forty-two year career in East Brunswick Public Schools and her passion, love and dedication to the students and staff.

After forty-two years, several administrative positions, and a wealth of accomplishments, Dr. Jo Ann Magistro retired as Superintendent of East Brunswick Public Schools at the end of the 2012-2013 school year. Prior to serving as Superintendent, Dr. Magistro was the Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services and Activities, Building Administrator at the elementary and secondary levels, Department Chair of the Guidance Department, and Guidance Counselor. Dr. Magistro became the district’s first female Superintendent in 2003.

When the plan for the new Hammarskjold Middle School was being developed, Dr. Magistro expressed her desire to have a state-of-the art performance venue included that would benefit both the students and the community. The East Brunswick Performing Arts Center is a 1,000 seat, state of the art theater featuring a full array of programmable standard and robotic lighting, a sound system including listener assistive devices, three screen data projection, an electronic fly system, and an immense stage area with attached dressing rooms and storage facilities.

The dedication ceremony to commemorate the event will be held on Thursday, November 12, 2015 beginning at 7:30 p.m. at Hammarskjold Middle School, 200 Rues Lane, East Brunswick. Speakers for the evening will include: Dr. Victor Valeski, Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Brad Cohen, Board of Education President, Mr. Jeffrey Lesser, former Arts Supervisor, and Dr. Jo Ann Magistro. Student performances will be highlighted at this eventful evening.

A reception will immediately follow the dedication ceremony. The public is welcome to share in and witness this exciting event.