Montclair mourns passing of interim special services director
By ERIN ROLL
roll@montclairlocal.news
The Montclair school district is mourning the loss of one of its administrators.
Ted Kozlik, the district’s interim director of special services, died on Wednesday at the age of 72.
“We are extremely saddened by his death as he was a beloved colleague and advocate for children,” Interim Superintendent Barbara Pinsak said in an email to parents and families.
She said that families were invited to drop off sympathy cards for Kozlik’s family at the district’s central office. She noted that the district has advertised for a permanent director of special services, and is now searching for another interim director to fill Kozlik’s place. “Your children will continue to receive uninterrupted services for their educational environment and emotional needs,” she said.
Kozlik joined the district in the fall of 2016.
His loss was felt in the Special Education Parents Advocacy Committee. “SEPAC was very saddened to hear of Ted’s untimely passing,” June Raegner said on Monday. “His commitment to special education was evident throughout his long, successful career. We look forward to the district filling the position of director of Pupil Services with a strong, experienced professional as dedicated as Ted. We send our condolences to Ted’s family and co-workers.”
Prior to coming to Montclair, Kozlik worked in the Westfield school district as its assistant superintendent for pupil personnel services for 24 years, and also worked as the director of pupil personnel services in Franklin Township for 12 years. He also acted in administrative roles in the Scotch Plains-Fanwood, Livingston, Warren, Berkeley Heights and Wyckoff school districts.
According to his obituary, Kozlik is survived by his wife, Ethel; his children, Thomas, Jonathan and Jennifer and their spouses; a sister and six grandchildren.
The family has asked that donations in Ted Kozlik’s name be made to the Newmark Education Center, 100 Cellar Ave., Scotch Plains, NJ 07076.