Ms. Mary Oates Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction
Mr. Lawrence Russell Assistant Superintendent for Student Services
Mr. Steven Robinson School Board Administrator and Board Secretary
Mrs. Susan Burman Manager, Human Resources Department
Mr. Thomas Douglas Manager, Technology Department
Mrs. Marilyn Joyce Lehren Manager, Communications and Community Outreach
Dr. Brad Draeger Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Brad Draeger joined Livingston Public Schools on April 1, 2006 with more than 30 years of experience in public education. He began his career as the director of instrumental music at South Lakes High School and was principal bassoon in the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra for 12 years. His experiences as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent for human resources, chief academic officer and deputy superintendent within Fairfax County Public Schools has contributed to the vast knowledge base he has brought with him to Livingston Public Schools.
Throughout his distinguished career as an educator, Dr. Draeger’s focus has always been the academic success of all students. He has identified and directed many initiatives to improve student achievement – new staffing models, full-day kindergarten, revamped programs for children on the Autism spectrum, after-school and summer arts programs, and creating a vision for high schools of the future. He has managed a multi-billion dollar organization, overseen major renovation projects and implemented technology initiatives system-wide. Dr. Draeger has been recognized for his expertise in community relations, technology, finance, facilities, and strategic planning.
Dr. Draeger earned his Doctorate in Educational Administration from Virginia Tech and obtained his Education Administrative Certification from the University of Virginia. He holds two degrees from the University of Miami – a Masters, as well as a Bachelors in Music Education, which he obtained Magna Cum Laude. Dr. Draeger has taught at the college and university levels at each of his alma maters, and at George Mason University.
Dr. Draeger has been the recipient of several awards for his accomplishments and contributions to public education including the Robert R. Spillane Fairfax County Public School Leadership Award, the Human Resources Professional Excellence Award of Greater Washington and in 2000, he was named the Human Resource Executive of the Year by the Local Government Personnel Association. He has authored and published several articles and made countless presentations on topics such as school technology and time management for teachers. He has held numerous board positions and was a member of the Board of Directors of the American Youth Symphony. He is currently a member of the American Association of School Administrators and New Jersey School Boards Association.
During his tenure, Dr. Draeger led the effort to develop and implement a Strategic Plan for LPS. The Strategic Plan, which consists of eight strands, is the hallmark of how LPS operates. The eight strands include: 1) Curriculum: What Children Learn; 2) Instruction: How Students Learn; 3) Professional Growth; 4) Technology; 5) Assets, Resources and Financial Support; 6) Facilities; 7) Parent/Community Partnerships; and 8) Policies and Procedures. He has brought together administrators, principals, assistant principals, supervisors, teachers, parents and community members to develop and carry out LPS’ mission of “Empowering all to learn, create, contribute, and grow.” This document is not just paper, but fluid principles LPS believes in and seeks to improve upon each academic year. In addition, Dr. Draeger was the force behind a $51 million referendum to renovate Livingston High School. Current and future students will reap the benefits by having access to an improved music wing, state-of-the-art science wing, new physical education building, and other aesthetic and critical structural improvements.
Dr. Draeger strongly believes and supports LPS’ partnership with the greater Livingston community. In a survey distributed to the Livingston community, 85% of respondents were either satisfied or very satisfied with LPS. This is a testament to Dr. Draeger’s management style and his dedication to the student of LPS and those charged with ensuring their education.
Ms. Mary Oates Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction
Mary Oates was appointed to the position of Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction in August 2007. Ms. Oates directs the on-going program of curriculum, instructional evaluation and professional development which enables Livingston Public Schools to meet the educational needs of each student. She is responsible for establishing and maintaining a process for curriculum development which is continuous and consistent and involves all stakeholders, including administrators, supervisors and teachers, as well as students and community members. To ensure that future teachers as well as experienced teachers are well prepared, Ms. Oates also coordinates and directs the student teacher program and encourages district staff to participate in program presentations at local, regional, state, and national conferences. She also conducts evaluations and provides the data analysis on district testing initiatives which is presented to the Board of Education and community each academic year.
Immediately preceding her appointment to Assistant Superintendent, Ms. Oates spent 10 years as Livingston’s K-8 Supervisor of Mathematics. Prior to her supervisory role, she taught middle school mathematics for 13 years in Parsippany, Tenafly, and West Orange, NJ. Ms. Oates also served as the Lead Teacher of the Mathematics Department in Parsippany for seven years.
Ms. Oates earned her Master of Science in Computer Science from Pace University, and her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Seton Hall University. She is certified in New Jersey as a Teacher of Mathematics ( K-12), an Elementary School Teacher (K-8), and possesses her Supervisor Certificate. Ms. Oates is a member of the Association of Mathematics Teachers of New Jersey, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics, the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, the National Staff Development Council and the New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association.
Mr. Lawrence Russell Assistant Superintendent for Student Services
Lawrence Russell joined Livingston Public Schools in January of 2011 as the Assistant Superintendent for Student Services and Instruction. Mr. Russell will work to ensure that students with disabilities in Livingston will receive the services necessary to make them successful in an academic setting so that they may succeed as adults. He will also facilitate the process of educating and maintaining an open dialogue with parents to create the best possible school-to-home relationship in an effort to improve the opportunity for academic achievement of their children. He will also work closely with the guidance and nursing departments in an effort to provide the best possible services in these areas for all students of Livingston.
Previous to joining Livingston Public Schools, Mr. Russell worked for the Clark County School District in Nevada for fifteen years. When he joined CCSD, he taught students in a resource room setting and in a self-contained program for emotionally disturbed students. He later became a Special Education Teacher Facilitator (Child Study Team Leader) and was chosen with eight other facilitators to create the protocol for training future facilitators. Mr. Russell became an administrator and served in the positions of Dean of Students, Middle School and High School Assistant Principal and then as a Middle School Principal.
Mr. Russell earned his Master of Science degree in Emotional and Behavioral Disorders from Notre Dame College and is pursuing his doctoral degree in Education Administration at the University of Nevada.
Mr. Steven Robinson School Business Administrator/Board Secretary
Steven Robinson joined the Livingston Public Schools in 1998 as the School Business Administrator and Board Secretary. Mr. Robinson is responsible for the establishment and maintenance of long-range fiscal plans, including the preparation of the annual school budget. He manages the district’s business offices, including the accounts payable department, payroll and benefits. Operationally, Mr. Robinson oversees the efficient managementof the district’s buildings and grounds and transportation departments and also, along with the Superintendent, facilitates the district’s enrollment practices. Mr. Robinson also serves as Board’s liaison with respect to accepting requests for and providing copies of all public records. As Business Administrator, Mr. Robinson is also heavily involved in ensuring the successful completion of any and all district referendum projects. In his capacity as Board Secretary, Mr. Robinson is also responsible for carrying out those duties mandated by New Jersey State Statutes, such as the examination and audit of accounts and demands against the Board, keeping all contracts, records and documents belonging to the Board, and giving the Board a detailed report of its financial transaction at the close of each fiscal year.
Mr. Robinson earned his Bachelor of Science in Commerce from Rider College and has been a Certified Public Accountant since 1989. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants, the New Jersey Association of School Business Officials, and the International Association of School Business Officials. Mr. Robinson is also a member of the Essex County Association of School Business Officials and was president in both the 2001-2002 and 2007-2008 school years.
Mrs. Susan Burman Manager, Human Resources Department
Susan Burman joined the Livingston Public Schools in September, 2005 with over 15 years of combined corporate and public sector experience in Human Resources Management. As the District’s Human Resources Manager, Mrs. Burman is responsible for the overall operation and direction of all human resources matters. While ensuring district compliance with applicable laws, she directs all recruitment activities within the district, manages applications for certification, and conducts HQT reviews Additionally, Mrs. Burman works with the administration and the Board of Education on organizational structure and policy formation and adoption. and evaluations. Along with other members of the administration, Mrs. Burman works collaboratively with the Board and the LEA on all employment issues and practices, negotiations and when necessary, processing grievances and facilitating dispute resolutions.
Mrs. Burman earned her Bachelor of Arts from Douglass College in Labor Studies. She went on to earn her Masters of Human Resource Management aswell as a Master of Arts in Labor Relations from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. She is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management aswell as NJSBA’s Personnel Administrators Association.
Mr. Thomas Douglas Manager, Technology Department
Thomas Douglas joined the Livingston Public Schools in March, 2007 with more than 20 years of combined corporate and public sector experience in information technology. As the District’s Technology Manager, Mr. Douglas is responsible for overseeing and coordinating the hardware, software, networking and systems configuration of the district’s Technology Plan. He provides ongoing analysis of the district’s technological needs as well as the research, evaluation, and development of the appropriate technology to meet those needs, both in and out of the classroom.
Mr. Douglas earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania. He has completed the 40-hour OSHA Training as well as the 8-hour OSHA Supervisory/Management Training.
Mrs. Marilyn Joyce Lehren Manager, Communications and Community Outreach
Marilyn Joyce Lehren brings a unique perspective to Livingston Public Schools as a graduate who grew up in town, earned a teaching degree and has a long and varied career in education, journalism and communications. Mrs. Lehren was the local editor of Livingston Patch and a copy editor for NJ Spotlight. She has been a copy editor for The Times of Trenton; and reporter for the Philadelphia Business Journal and Today's Sunbeam in Salem County, NJ; and summer college intern at the West Essex Tribune in Livingston.
She’s been involved in adult education as communications manager at the South Orange-Maplewood Adult School. She’s also worked as a music teacher and volunteer at the South Orange Library, where she performs stories & songs for preschoolers; the Maplewood Library, where she leads a Saturday program for children with special needs; and Jespy House, where she presented a music therapy class for adults with disabilities.
For Livingston Public Schools, Mrs. Lehren writes about a wide range of issues in the schools, including programs and policies, and manages community outreach. She is editor of the district’s weekly LPS news. She is a member of the NJ School Public Relations Association.
Mrs. Lehren earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Stephen’s College in Columbia, Mo.; and a Bachelor of Arts in English Liberal Arts from the College of New Jersey.
Dr. Brad Draeger joined Livingston Public Schools on April 1, 2006 with more than 30 years of experience in public education. He began his career as the director of instrumental music at South Lakes High School and was principal bassoon in the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra for 12 years. His experiences as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent for human resources, chief academic officer and deputy superintendent within Fairfax County Public Schools has contributed to the vast knowledge base he has brought with him to Livingston Public Schools.
Mary Oates was appointed to the position of Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction in August 2007. Ms. Oates directs the on-going program of curriculum, instructional evaluation and professional development which enables Livingston Public Schools to meet the educational needs of each student. She is responsible for establishing and maintaining a process for curriculum development which is continuous and consistent and involves all stakeholders, including administrators, supervisors and teachers, as well as students and community members. To ensure that future teachers as well as experienced teachers are well prepared, Ms. Oates also coordinates and directs the student teacher program and encourages district staff to participate in program presentations at local, regional, state, and national conferences. She also conducts evaluations and provides the data analysis on district testing initiatives which is presented to the Board of Education and community each academic year. 
Lawrence Russell joined Livingston Public Schools in January of 2011 as the Assistant Superintendent for Student Services and Instruction. Mr. Russell will work to ensure that students with disabilities in Livingston will receive the services necessary to make them successful in an academic setting so that they may succeed as adults. He will also facilitate the process of educating and maintaining an open dialogue with parents to create the best possible school-to-home relationship in an effort to improve the opportunity for academic achievement of their children. He will also work closely with the guidance and nursing departments in an effort to provide the best possible services in these areas for all students of Livingston.
Steven Robinson joined the Livingston Public Schools in 1998 as the School Business Administrator and Board Secretary. Mr. Robinson is responsible for the establishment and maintenance of long-range fiscal plans, including the preparation of the annual school budget. He manages the district’s business offices, including the accounts payable department, payroll and benefits. Operationally, Mr. Robinson oversees the efficient managementof the district’s buildings and grounds and transportation departments and also, along with the Superintendent, facilitates the district’s enrollment practices. Mr. Robinson also serves as Board’s liaison with respect to accepting requests for and providing copies of all public records. As Business Administrator, Mr. Robinson is also heavily involved in ensuring the successful completion of any and all district referendum projects. In his capacity as Board Secretary, Mr. Robinson is also responsible for carrying out those duties mandated by New Jersey State Statutes, such as the examination and audit of accounts and demands against the Board, keeping all contracts, records and documents belonging to the Board, and giving the Board a detailed report of its financial transaction at the close of each fiscal year. 
Susan Burman joined the Livingston Public Schools in September, 2005 with over 15 years of combined corporate and public sector experience in Human Resources Management. As the District’s Human Resources Manager, Mrs. Burman is responsible for the overall operation and direction of all human resources matters. While ensuring district compliance with applicable laws, she directs all recruitment activities within the district, manages applications for certification, and conducts HQT reviews Additionally, Mrs. Burman works with the administration and the Board of Education on organizational structure and policy formation and adoption. and evaluations. Along with other members of the administration, Mrs. Burman works collaboratively with the Board and the LEA on all employment issues and practices, negotiations and when necessary, processing grievances and facilitating dispute resolutions.
Thomas Douglas joined the Livingston Public Schools in March, 2007 with more than 20 years of combined corporate and public sector experience in information technology. As the District’s Technology Manager, Mr. Douglas is responsible for overseeing and coordinating the hardware, software, networking and systems configuration of the district’s Technology Plan. He provides ongoing analysis of the district’s technological needs as well as the research, evaluation, and development of the appropriate technology to meet those needs, both in and out of the classroom.
Marilyn Joyce Lehren brings a unique perspective to Livingston Public Schools as a graduate who grew up in town, earned a teaching degree and has a long and varied career in education, journalism and communications.