Dear Scotch Plains-Fanwood Community,

It is an honor and privilege to serve as the Superintendent of Scotch Plains-Fanwood Public Schools since August of 2019. Our greatest strength lies in the families we serve and the students we educate. This, combined with the dedication of our Board of Education, district administration, and talented staff — especially our teachers — has created a foundation for lasting success. 

Throughout my tenure, the role of Superintendent has presented both challenges and opportunities. From installing field lights to leading through the pandemic, transitioning to a new before- and after-care provider, and supporting our community through global events that are deeply impactful, we have faced each challenge with resilience and strength. In many cases, we have also emerged stronger and more connected than before.

Additionally, the community and schools worked together in January 2025 to address space constraints in the elementary schools. The community agreed to fund the purchase of a property and future expenses to operate the building as an early childhood learning center. The passage of that referendum not only eased capacity issues in our elementary schools, but also brought air conditioning to every school in the district and made other safety and infrastructure updates possible.

Each of these moments has connected us as a community and allowed us to focus on our unwavering commitment to ensuring that all students feel seen, heard, and supported. The current and future students of SPF are the reason we show up every day. 

Their joy is contagious and inspires me to continue:

• Cheering on the Raiders at athletic competitions
• Celebrating the academic achievements of our student scholars
• Recognizing the talents and success of our alumni
• Supporting our educators and administrators
• Partnering with our parents in all district endeavors

Together, we continue to foster a learning environment where every student has the opportunity to grow, thrive, learn, and succeed. Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership in making Scotch Plains-Fanwood Public Schools a district that excels and prepares students for the future. I am deeply grateful to be part of this journey!

With gratitude,

Dr. Joan Mast
Superintendent of Schools

Dr. Robert McGarry joined the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Schools in August, 2020 and is proud to serve the district as its Assistant Superintendent. 

Dr. McGarry is a lifelong educator with experiences that range from preschool teaching to college administration (and just about everything in-between). He most recently served the Holmdel Township Schools as Superintendent after joining the district as Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction in 2014, With instructional leadership as his passion, he is happy to be back in a similar role here in SPF!

Dr. McGarry holds degrees in Music Education from Bucknell University and The Hartt School of Music of the University of Hartford and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Organizational Theory from the University of Pennsylvania.

Dr. McGarry enjoys the performing arts (as a participant and as an audience member) and is a running enthusiast. In fact, one of his proudest accomplishments was running the New York City Marathon.

Mr. Jones joined Scotch Plains-Fanwood Public Schools in July 2021 and is proud to serve on the Administration Team. He most recently served as business administrator in Little Falls Township Public School District and High Bridge Borough School District. Prior to his public school service, he had a successful career in business, most recently at JPMorgan Chase.

He is a certified public accountant (CPA) and a proud graduate of Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business for both his MBA in Financial Management and Economics and BS in Accounting and Finance. Mr. Jones enjoys CrossFit with his wife and spending time with his young children. 

Dr. Lisa Rebimbas began her career in the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Public Schools in 1996 as a Spanish teacher at SPFHS.  In 2000, she was appointed as the World Language Supervisor where she oversaw the implementation of the elementary world language program, the development of interdisciplinary units and performance-based assessment tasks, and the implementation of proficiency-based instruction in the world language classrooms. Dr. Rebimbas was then appointed principal of Park Middle School, in 2003. She collaborated with the middle school staff to provide programming for all students, initiatives to support students in need of academic intervention, and the overhaul of the middle school schedule to include an advisory period, math explorations, and writing workshop.   

 In 2016, Dr. Rebimbas began her tenure as Director of Special Services. She is committed to serving the needs of each individual student and enjoys collaborating with district staff, parents, and community members in meeting each child’s needs.

As a four-time graduate of Seton Hall University, Dr. Rebimbas is a proud Pirate! She earned a Bachelor of Science with a double major in Secondary Education and Spanish, a Master’s in Public Administration with a Concentration in Public Service, and Educational Specialist and Educational Doctorate degrees in Educational Leadership, Management and Public Policy.

Dr. Rebimbas is a life-long learner and an avid reader. She enjoys spending time with family and watching sporting events. You will often see her on the sidelines cheering on her favorite sports teams.