Toms River school official to lead Mater Dei

James Hauerstein, for the past four years an Assistant Superintendent in the Toms River Regional School District, moves to Middletown to become the first President of the newly-reorganized Mater Dei Prep.

A notice posted on the high school's web page cites Hauerstein's 33-year career in education as a driving factor in the decision.

A report in the Asbury Park Press indicates that Hauersteiin will also serve as interim Principal while overseeing development, fundraising and recruitment.

Hauerstein also served as Principal of Toms River High School North. He owns a Bachelor's degree from Lynch School of Education in Boston and a Master's degree in supervision, curriculum and administration from Georgian Court University in Lakewood.

After 53 years under the aegis of the Diocese of Trenton, Mater Dei becomes a stand-alone private Catholic school July 1. Supporters who fended off the Diocese decision to close the institution raised more than $1 million dollars in under two months.