Decisive. Tireless. Visible. Knowledgeable. These are just some of the words local leaders used to describe Tom Ramsay, superintendent of schools of the Hammonton Public Schools.
“During the school day you won’t find Tom in his office very much,” John Lyons, president of the Hammonton board of education. “He’s in the hallways, and in the classrooms. Observing teachers, meeting with staff. Engaged with parents and our kids.”
Ramsay, superintendent since July 1, 2024, has had a long and accomplished career in education.
“I began my career 36 years ago as a special education teacher at Lacey Township High School,” he said. “During my time at Lacey Township, I also coached football, wrestling, and softball. I came to Hammonton in 1997 as the middle school assistant principal. In 1999, I became the assistant principal of Hammonton High School. After serving as Hammonton High School’s assistant principal for 10 years, I became the building principal in 2009.
“I worked as Hammonton High School’s principal for 15 years before being appointed as superintendent of school last year.”
Born and raised in New York state, Ramsay earned his bachelor’s degree from Saint Thomas Aquinas College and master’s degree from New Jersey City University. Education was a natural choice for Ramsay, whose mother, sister, brother and daughter are all educators.
“Education is certainly something I am very passionate about,” he said.
Hammonton Public Schools Superintendent Tom Ramsay’s first year has been ‘nothing short of remarkable’ overseeing a district of 3,000-plus students.
That passion is evident to local education leaders.
“He is very honest and has no hidden agendas,” former Hammonton Public Schools superintendent and current mentor and education consultant, Dr. Dan Blachford, said. “He works tirelessly to improve the learning and emotional development of the students. Staff members readily got behind him because he is looking out for their good and for the good of the school district.”
Ramsay explains the role of superintendent of schools as “the chief educational leader of a school district.” For Ramsay, that is a school district that includes four educational institutions: Early Childhood Educational Center (481 students), Warren E. Sooy Elementary School (698 students), Hammonton Middle School (793 students) and Hammonton High School (1,312 students), according to the Hammonton Public Schools budget presentation for 2025-2026. That’s a total of 3,284 students that Ramsay oversees.
“The superintendent is responsible for ensuring the district’s compliance with federal, state, and local education policies,” he explained. “The superintendent also oversees the development and implementation of district-wide policies, manages the budget with the school business administrator, and leads the district in achieving its educational goals.”
Safety of students is an important matter that Ramsay values.
“Research has repeatedly shown a strong correlation between a safe learning environment and student academic achievement,” he said. “Students who feel physically and emotionally safe are more likely to focus on learning, engage in class and perform better academically.”
Similarly, the New Jersey Department of Education emphasizes the significance of safety and learning.
“Creating safe and positive school environments are essential in the support of a students’ overall wellness and academic achievement,” according to the Office of Student Support Services website.
Supporting students to reach their full potential is of significant concern, Ramsay said, noting his focus has created remarkable outcomes.
“Another issue that matters to me is providing every student with the opportunity to reach their full academic, social, and civic potential,” he said. “I’m a firm believer of students getting involved in the total school program.”
“The most impressive thing about him is his devotion to student accomplishments,” Blachford relayed. “This includes their emotional, academic, and physical development. He fosters a compassionate school environment for the students and staff. Fortunately, he has a supportive board of education that share his goals.”
Ramsay “hit the ground running with a plan,” Lyons said of his focus. Part of that plan was establishing a leadership team and creating a five-year strategic plan.
A self-described avid reader, Ramsay pointed out his approach to leading Hammonton Public Schools.
“I constantly research best practices in education to ensure that the programs and strategies we are using are data driven,” he said.
Ramsay’s first year as superintendent has been “nothing short of remarkable,” according to Lyons, noting his experience as a football, wrestling and softball coach has played a meaningful role in his leadership style.
“I watch him with the administrators and the board members especially – when we are in tough situations,” he said. “You can see when Tom shifts into coach mode and he starts rallying folks around an idea. Next thing you know it’s problem solved, and we’ve moved on.”
Ramsay remarked that his experience as a teacher, coach and principal have provided “the ability to motivate people in a positive manner to do their absolute best.”
His passion after more than three decades in education doesn’t show any signs of letting up.
“I absolutely love being around and working with our students,” he said. “After 36 years, I still get excited and look forward to coming to school each day to engage our students and teachers. Our students are super intelligent with unlimited potential.
“Every day is an adventure and it’s never boring working with students.”
