Steve Cochrane, Superintendent of the Princeton Public Schools, announced his intent to retire on February 24, to be effective on June 30, 2020. Cochrane has served the PPS community as superintendent for six years and has made major changes in the district through his work and vision.

After graduating from Princeton University, Cochrane started a career in education. He has held countless positions in this field, such as a college administrator, elementary school teacher and principal, and middle school principal. However, he initially hesitated at the superintendency.

“All of that [education-related] work involved direct interaction with children and with teachers and with the joy of learning. [I was] concerned that [becoming superintendent] might take me away from that. So I wasn't seeking a superintendency when the opportunity [arose]. I wanted to be able to give back to the community that had given a great deal to me,” Cochrane said.

As superintendent, Cochrane has always been devoted to equity and student wellness. Two major changes that Cochrane implemented in his time as superintendent — the later start time for PHS and the shift to the bell schedules — were particularly progressive and intended to benefit student health. He has also encouraged racial literacy throughout his career.

“Even when the state came in to do an audit a few weeks ago—which happens every three years in most districts — they went out of their way to tell us how remarkable it was that we focus on joy. And [that] whole vision and alignment has been driven by Superintendent Cochrane,” said Beth Behrend, President of the Board of Education. “He has led us to celebrate diversity as a strength, sharing a vision for equity and student wellbeing that has transformed and inspired our communities, within the schools and beyond. And he's changed the conversation on what we mean by student achievement in Princeton.”

The superintendency and efforts for change were not without their own challenges. However, Cochrane believes that these changes have been for the better.

“[Because] Princeton has a wonderful reputation, … attempting to change something that's working fairly well isn’t always easy,” said Cochrane. “I think one of the biggest challenges [I’ve faced] has been making the shift from [seeking] perfection to [seeking] student wellness, stress reduction, and racial literacy.”

To make these changes and continue supporting his goals for PPS, Cochrane maintains consistent communication with PHS as well as the Board of Education. The BOE functions as a collective in working with the superintendent and will continue to work in the same manner with Cochrane’s successor.

Behrend believes that Cochrane has left behind a legacy of faithful and committed leadership for the district.

“Mr. Cochrane has provided steady and visionary leadership to the district over the past six years. And we are so grateful for his devoted service to our students and to our community,” said Behrend. “Even though change is hard, we should be hopeful and look at this as an opportunity for us to grow even further as a district.”

The Board is currently looking for a short-term superintendent who will help run the district while they seek a permanent replacement with a broader search for candidates and more community input.

Although the switch to a new superintendent may be challenging, Principal Jessica Baxter, is optimistic about the future of PPS.

“Everybody who comes, [comes] with their own vision. So the new [superintendent] might not have the same vision as Cochrane,” said Baxter. “He's [been] someone who really cares about kids and about equitable access for all students and families. And I think even after he leaves, we will continue that work.”