James J. Lavender, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools

James J. Lavender serves as the Superintendent of Schools for the Kingsway Regional School District. In this role, he acts as the Chief Executive Officer of Kingsway, overseeing all operations, school maintenance, and financial management in accordance with Board of Education policies and state regulations. Dr. Lavender was appointed Kingsway's 8th Superintendent of Schools on September 1, 2010.

Experience:
Dr. Lavender brings a wide breadth of experience to his leadership role, with a strong foundation in both classroom instruction and educational administration. He has served as a high school and middle school teacher, assistant principal, principal, and superintendent in multiple districts. His expertise in shared services has made him a recognized leader in collaborative administrative models.

At Kingsway, Dr. Lavender has led the district through a decade of transformative growth, responding to a significant rise in student enrollment by expanding facilities, launching innovative academic programs, and adding critical teaching resources. Among his most impactful contributions was leading a sustained grassroots advocacy campaign to reform New Jersey’s school funding formula. His efforts culminated in the passage of Senate Bill 2 (S2) on July 24, 2018, eliminating punitive enrollment caps and resulting in millions of dollars in additional state aid for Kingsway.

Career Highlights:

• Began his educational career in 1995 as a U.S. and World History teacher in the Delsea Regional School District, where he was named Outstanding Middle School Teacher of the Year.
• Held multiple administrative positions in the Gloucester City School District, including Assistant Principal and Director of Early Childhood Education. His research on early education earned him the Presidential Award for Leadership from Wilmington University and was later published in book format: Looping Through Preschool: The Benefits of Looping on Kindergarten Readiness.
• Served as Superintendent of both the Gibbsboro and Berlin Borough School Districts, leading them to become a regional model in shared services.
• Recognized by the Gibbsboro Board of Education for his lasting contributions to the district.

Community Service:
Dr. Lavender has remained an engaged public servant throughout his career. He is a former elected member of the Gloucester County Board of Commissioners and served as liaison to the Department of Parks and Land Preservation. His community leadership includes service on the Board of Trustees at Rowan College of South Jersey, the Board of Directors for the Inspira Health Network, and multiple terms in local government for Woolwich Township, including as Deputy Mayor. He also served five years on the Board of Education for the Gloucester County Institute of Technology and Special Services School District.

Education:
Dr. Lavender earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Secondary Education from Rowan University in 1995, a Master of Education in School Leadership in 2002, and a Doctorate in Educational Innovation and Leadership from Wilmington University in 2006. In addition to his academic degrees, Dr. Lavender holds certifications as a licensed New Jersey School Business Administrator and a Certified Professional through the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). With extensive experience in budget management and human resource administration, he brings a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to district leadership.

In 2024, Rowan University selected Dr. Lavender for its Project 100+ initiative, which honors graduates whose lives and careers may influence current and future generations. His profile, titled "A Turning Point: Jim Lavender (‘95) on Rowan’s Role in His Path to a Career in Teaching and School Administration," highlights the foundational role Rowan played in shaping his passion for public education and school leadership.

Awards & Honors:

• Citizens Award for Service to the College Medallion (2018) – Rowan College at Gloucester County
• Distinguished Service Awards (2017, 2018) – Kingsway Regional School District
• Certificate of Appreciation (2015) – Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10886
• Presidential Award for Leadership (2006) – Wilmington University
• Middle School Teacher of the Year (2002) – Delsea Regional School District

Personal:
Dr. Lavender has been married to his wife, Dr. Jennifer S. Lavender, since 2003. They have three daughters—all proud graduates of Kingsway Regional High School.