Dr. Conklin brings more than 30 years of experience in education and is widely recognized for his dedication to academic excellence, innovation, and equity. He began his career as a middle school teacher in Jersey City Public Schools and later served as a Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant (LDTC) on the Child Study Team. His leadership experience includes roles as a Director of Special Services, an elementary school principal, and Assistant Superintendent of Pupil-Special Services and administrator of preschool programs in Edison Township, the fifth-largest school district in New Jersey. Most recently, he served for four years as Superintendent of the Caldwell-West Caldwell Public Schools.
Dr. Conklin holds a Doctorate in Special Education from Northcentral University, as well as advanced degrees in Educational Administration and Special Education. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in History from Rutgers University, a Master of Arts in Special Education with a concentration in LDTC, and a Master of Arts in Administration, Curriculum, and Supervision from New Jersey City University. As an adjunct professor in William Paterson University’s graduate Special Education and Counseling Department, he has helped shape future educators. He is also an active member of numerous professional associations, including the American Association of School Administrators, the New Jersey Association of School Administrators, the New Jersey Council of Administrators of Special Education, the New Jersey Superintendents School Study Council, the Essex County Superintendents Association, the District Administration Leadership Institute, the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, and the Council for Exceptional Children.
Throughout his career, Dr. Conklin has championed student-centered learning, pioneered innovative multi-sensory instructional practices, and promoted the holistic development of every child. His leadership is defined by clear communication, strategic vision, and a strong commitment to equity. He has led major initiatives in curriculum development, one-to-one technology integration, professional growth, and mental health and wellness programming. His approach is grounded in data-driven decision making and aligned with SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
A steadfast advocate for equity, Dr. Conklin believes that every student can succeed when supported by highly effective teaching, strong relationships, and equitable access to resources. He has devoted much of his career to advancing the success of students with disabilities and their families, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations while upholding dignity, access, and academic independence. His educational vision centers on personalized, research-based, and multi-sensory methods that meet the unique needs of every learner.
Dr. Conklin is also known for building high-performing teams and aligning fiscal resources to support student outcomes and educator development. His emphasis on transparency and accountability has helped to strengthen trust across the school communities he has led. A collaborative leader, he actively engages families, educators, and civic partners to create safe, welcoming, and high-achieving learning environments. Inspired by the words of Mister Rogers, “We all have different gifts, so we all have different ways of telling the world who we arehe values the diverse strengths that every student, staff member, and family brings to the educational experience.
The following priorities guide his leadership philosophy:
Dr. Conklin and his wife, Lisa, have been married for 27 years and live in Whitehouse Station, New Jersey. They are the proud parents of two daughters: Cassidy, a school psychologist, and Isabelle, a professional in television and news production. Lisa, an art teacher, shares her husband’s passion for education. Outside of work, Dr. Conklin enjoys golfing, mentoring aspiring leaders, participating in community events, and spending time with family. He values the discipline and reflection that golf brings and remains committed to lifelong learning. His personal values—integrity, empathy, perseverance, and gratitude—serve as the foundation for his leadership.