30 April 2024 · Joseph Bakes
Joseph Howe, Ed.D., CPA
MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ – Dr. Joseph Howe has been named business administrator for operations of the Middlesex County Magnet Schools.
For Howe, it is a return to his alma mater: He graduated from what was then East Brunswick Vo-Tech in 2003.
He comes to the new post from Rutgers Graduate School of Education, where he was the senior director of finance and administration. Previously he worked for the Freehold Borough School District, where he was superintendent, assistant superintendent and business administrator/board secretary. Prior to beginning his career in schools, Howe worked for the federal Social Security Administration and for the State Comptroller’s Office.
“We are thrilled to add Dr. Howe to the Magnet Schools administration,” Superintendent of Schools Jorge E. Diaz said. “He brings with him excellent qualifications and, being a graduate, has keen insight into what we do at the Magnet Schools.”
The current Magnet Schools business administrator, Karl Knehr, is transitioning into a new role as the business administrator of facilities and capital planning, where he will oversee the vast capital improvement projects throughout the five campuses.
Howe has a doctorate in education in educational leadership, management and policy from Seton Hall University, a master’s in finance from Rider University and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Kean University and is a certified public accountant.
He began his college education while a student at East Brunswick Magnet School majoring in computer assisted drafting, graduating with 15 credits from Middlesex College. He also began his career in public service while still in high school, working for Old Bridge Township through the cooperative education program and volunteering as an EMT with the rescue squad.
“I think there’s something for everyone at the Magnet Schools,” Howe said.
He said he wasn’t sure of his career path when he started high school but found he had an aptitude for computers.
“There’s been a big push in the last few years for career and technical education,” he said, “but that was something the Magnet Schools have always done – we were way ahead of our time.”
Howe lives in Helmetta with his wife, Rebecca, and 4-year-old son, Henry.
