By Kimberly Crane
A tradition of building community
The Hunterdon County Education Association (HCEA) held its annual luncheon for superintendents and association presidents on Oct. 8 at the Mountain View Chalet in Asbury.
The event continued a tradition that has brought district superintendents and union leaders together for more than half a century. What began in 1967 as a simple gathering has become one of the county’s most valued events.
The luncheon creates a space where superintendents and presidents sit together, share a meal and start the school year grounded in communication.
“More than half of our local presidents usually attend,” said HCEA President Sue Vala. “We all come together to break bread and set the tone of goodwill for the school year.”
Vala noted that the luncheon’s longevity has created a culture that renews itself year after year. “When new presidents or superintendents come on board, people reach out to let them know that this is an event they will want to attend.”
Finding common ground
For Vala, the luncheon provides an intentional reset point for everyone in the room.
“No matter what happened last year, we start fresh,” she said. “Our theme for several years has been ‘What do we have in common?’ and the truth is, even if we don’t see eye to eye, we are all here for students.”
Vala recalled her own nerves as a new president decades ago. “My first luncheon was in 1999, and it was a little scary. I remember thinking, ‘What are we going to talk about?’ But sitting with other presidents and superintendents ended up not being awkward at all.”
That sense of connection resonates with leaders across the county, including Trina Lahman, president of the Quakertown Education Association of Franklin Township.
“This event allows presidents and superintendents to come together, collaborate and speak to other districts,” Lahman said. “We hear about what’s going on and what’s challenging. It gives us time to be together and share, district to district.”
Starting the year this way, she added, sets a powerful tone. “It’s inspiring and positive. There’s usually a great speaker, and it fosters a good start to the school year.”
Building trust and connections
For Lahman, the most lasting benefit is the trust built in the room. “It really does build rapport between employees and the superintendent. Communication is everything, and this event opens those lines in a natural, respectful way.”
Jessica Latanzio-Crespo and Jamie Friedel, co-presidents of the Clinton Education Association, described the luncheon as a rare opportunity to reconnect with colleagues from across the county.
“Hunterdon County is small,” Latanzio-Crespo said. “So it’s wonderful to see familiar faces and talk about what’s going on in each building.”
Friedel emphasized the importance of scheduling the luncheon during the school day. “We’re both working parents. It can be hard to attend after-hours events, so we really appreciate the effort that goes into finding coverage so we can be here.”
As the tradition continues at the Mountain View Chalet, one message remains clear: In Hunterdon County, building relationships isn’t just encouraged — it’s embedded, valued and celebrated.
Kimberly Crane is an NJEA Communications Consultant and former president of the Highland Park Education Association. She can be reached at kcrane@njea.org.