Leadership

We have charted our vision for Pioneer Academy’s future: strengthening our fundamental proposition of educational excellence, redefining our ethos and values, innovating our growth and communications strategy.

Leadership

students at auditorium during a leadership seminar

We have charted our vision for Pioneer Academy’s future: strengthening our fundamental proposition of educational excellence, redefining our ethos and values, innovating our growth and communications strategy.

Owen O. Akman

Head of School
(973) 405-4169 x 236
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Monica Bajraktarevic

Assistant Head of School
(973) 405-4169 x 129
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Ali Bilgin

Head of Upper School
(973) 405-4169 x 208
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Priscilla Lainez

US Dean of Students & DoO
(973) 405-4169 x 118
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Brian Caiazzo

K-8 Director of Curriculum & Instruction & PD
(973) 405-4169 x 133
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Oznur Duzgun

PreK-4 Dean of Students & DoO
(973) 405-4169 x 180
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Alex Benevenga

MS Dean of Students & DoO
(973) 405-4169 x 123
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Murat Yurttaser

Director of College Counseling
(973) 405-4169 x 214
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Nermin Selman

HR & Administrative Assistant
(973) 405-4169 x 210
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Daniel Brooks

Director of Business Operations
(973) 405-4169 x 211
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Serif Kaplan

IT Director
(973) 405-4169 x 132
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Aziz Cubuk

Assistant Head of Upper School
(973) 405-4169 x 126
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Board of Trustees

The Board meets regularly to receive reports from the Head of School and to discuss and decide on school developments, initiatives, policy decisions, and topics of interest. In addition, the Board determines the School's objectives and sees that those objectives are appropriately achieved.

Pioneer Academy’s Board of Trustees bears the ultimate responsibility for stewarding and overseeing the well-being, fiduciary health, long-term sustainability and strategic direction of the School.

Board of Trustees are guided by Pioneer Academy's shared values and wholly dedicated to building on the legacy of educational leadership that has helped Pioneer distinguish itself as an elite college-preparatory school in New Jersey, within the New York Metropolitan region, nationally, and internationally.

As a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit institution, Pioneer Academy is governed by a non-paid board of trustees consisting of parents, parents of alumni, and independent school education proponents.

Members:

  • Dr. Erkan Ertosun - President
  • Dr. Nuray Yurt - Secretary
  • Oguzhan Senturk - Treasurer
  • Owen O. Akman - Head of School
  • Fatma Dogan - Member
  • Ela Nate - Member

Advisory Board Members:

  • Omowunmi “Wunmi” Sadik, Ph.D.
  • Anela Radoncic
  • Dr. Puja Joshi, MD
  • Margin Bajrami
  • Gazmend Aga
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WHO WE ARE2027 STRATEGIC PLANSCHOOL PROFILE