BRICK – In order to devote her full attention to Brick Township, Mayor Lisa Crate has made the decision to retire from her teaching career.
This past November, Crate won the 2023 election taking on a 2-year term. She was first appointed mayor in February 2023 after former Mayor John Ducey left the position he held for nearly nine years to serve as a Superior Court judge.
Crate was an educator in Jackson Township for 31 years. She told Jersey Shore Online that the decision to retire was difficult yet necessary.
“Throughout the election process last year, I knew that when I won in November it would be time for me to step away from teaching. As an educator, I always knew how important it was to be available and ready to listen to my students and colleagues. I feel the same about this amazing town,” Crate said. “Leaving a career after 30 years was not an easy decision, but I wanted to be able to devote my time to my home town. I’m so excited to be here each day and available to residents!”
Throughout her teaching career, Crate experienced many different grade levels including kindergarten, 3rd grade, 4th grade and 6th and 8th grade (Language Arts). She was also a middle school librarian for over 10 years and would teach a Media Literacy class to 6th grade students. In addition, she was the president of the Jackson Township Education Association.
Stepping down from teaching, Crate has already filled her calendar for the next month to devote herself to the town’s needs.
“There’s lots of great activities including DARE graduations at several elementary schools, ribbon cuttings for new businesses, meetings with residents, speaking engagements with local organizations and so much more,” Crate said. “I’m looking forward to beginning some of the initiatives I spoke about during the election including the planning phases for bringing art to our town through the work of local artists and volunteers. I’m excited to begin working more with the Mayor’s Student Advisory as well as our seniors on some fun projects. I can’t wait to get started!”
