Jason Cohen

Mountainside resident Kate Diskin began her teaching career in Millburn 28 years ago. Now, in 2019 she has come full circle and will be the new assistant superintendent in Millburn. 

On April 22, the Millburn Board of Education appointed Diskin assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, effective July 1. Diskin succeeds Kyle Arlington who left for a position in another district in March. Diskin is currently serving in the same role in the Middlesex School district.

“My priority is to establish relationships and get to know the teachers, students and community as a whole,” Diskin said. “I’m honored to come full circle and to come be back home.”

Diskin, 50, grew up in Summit as an only child in a family of educators. Her father, Emile George, 80, was a principal and assistant principal in Summit for 43 years and her mom, Lois George, 76, taught in Madison for several years. 

“I definitely followed in their footsteps,” Diskin said. “I sort of always knew what I wanted to do.”

In fact, she even married a teacher. Her husband Joe Diskin is the principal at Eisenhower Intermediate School in Bridgewater.  

While being an educator was never pushed on her, she admired what her parents did and always had an innate desire to help others.

Diskin worked her way up the corporate ladder faster than most. After teaching in Millburn from 1993 to 1997 and briefly serving as an assistant principal in Montclair for two years, she quickly transitioned to the administrative side. 

“I just felt that I could be the cheerleader for the teachers, empower them and bring collaborative ideas,” she explained. 

Diskin recalled how she will always treasure the more than two decades she spent in Middlesex. She has numerous fond memories with students and staff there and ultimately, it was her time there that has helped her become the successful educator she is today. 

But, she knew it was time for a new chapter. Fortunately, she was able to find a role in the same place she began her career. 

“I look forward to the new experiences Milburn has to offer,” she remarked. 

Millburn Superintendent Dr. Christine Burton is ready to work with Diskin and continue to bring success to Millburn. 

“As assistant superintendent in Middlesex, she (Diskin) has managed curriculum work, professional development, federal grants, community engagement and change management efforts,” Burton said. “As a life-long learner, she is currently working on her doctorate, modeling her commitment to continuous learning. We are very pleased to have such a dedicated and experienced professional step into the role of assistant superintendent.”