Title: Superintendent
Company: Mountainside School District
Location: Verona, New Jersey, United States
Christopher Kinney, Superintendent at Mountainside School District, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Educators for dedication, achievements, and leadership in Academic Administration.
Mr. Kinney, a leader in public school education, has established a notable career spanning over 25 years, marked by innovation and a commitment to maximizing resources for the benefit of students and staff. Since 2025, he has served as a superintendent for Mountainside Public Schools, where he successfully ensured the effective launch of all programs at the start of the 2025-2026 academic year. His responsibilities include reviewing and monitoring the implementation of annual initiatives, establishing stakeholder committees to inform programming decisions and overseeing the development of mentoring programs for students, parent partnership workshops and mental and physical health workshops for staff. Mr. Kinney also meets regularly with administrators and supervisors to maintain high standards across the district and approves daily operational needs, demonstrating his expertise in strategic planning and special education.
Before joining Mountainside Public Schools, Mr. Kinney served as a superintendent within the Garwood Public School District from 2023 to 2025. During this tenure, he achieved one of his most notable accomplishments by securing more than $650,000 in state aid to establish a free preschool program in Garwood. Mr. Kinney led efforts to repurpose an old elementary school into the district’s preschool hub, making early education accessible to local families. His resourcefulness and ability to deliver sustainable programming within limited budgets were instrumental in this endeavor.
Between 2010 and 2022, Mr. Kinney served as the director of special services for Cedar Grove Schools. He began his career as a special education teacher before moving into vocational administration in Warren County, New Jersey. His early experiences in teaching and administration laid the foundation for his later achievements as a district leader.
Mr. Kinney’s academic background includes a Master of Arts in educational leadership and administration from Kean University in Union, New Jersey, earned in 2005. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education at Centenary University in Hackettstown, New Jersey.
Throughout his career, Mr. Kinney has been an active member of several professional organizations, including the New Jersey Association of Superintendents, the New Jersey Administrators and Educational Leaders and the National Association of School Superintendents. These affiliations have provided him with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration with peers across the field. Beyond his professional commitments, Mr. Kinney is civically engaged with organizations such as Home for Good Dogs in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey.
Mr. Kinney’s leadership was recognized during his tenure with Cedar Grove Schools when he received the Essex County Director of Special Services of the Year award in 2022. He was also recognized earlier with the Roots and Wings Award from Montclair State University in 2012. Mr. Kinney credits his success to a supportive family, encouraging colleagues and a strong personal drive to make a positive impact on students and faculty members.
Looking ahead, Mr. Kinney plans to advance district programming by integrating emerging artificial intelligence technology to benefit students, staff and the broader community in Mountainside. He also aims to complete his doctoral degree and apply those skills to further improve educational outcomes within the district. Additionally, Mr. Kinney envisions remaining in a superintendent role or transitioning to teaching at the college level at institutions such as Kean University or Montclair State University.
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