Dr. Diane Fox retiring after 14 years in position; Patricia Swanson making move
to MTPS from Linwood district
Dr. Diane Fox received the prestigious School Business Administrator of the Year award from the New Jersey Association of School Business Officials in 2024.
Cape May Court House, N.J. – Dr. Diane Fox will retire as Middle Township Public Schools’ business administrator and board secretary on May 1, shortly after overseeing her 14th budget season for the district.
Balancing the budget is the most significant and challenging responsibility of being a school business administrator, but Fox said it also can be the most fulfilling.
“When resources are available, it’s rewarding to support programs and improvements that directly benefit students,” she said. “When funding is tight, it can be frustrating, but it also pushes me to be creative and strategic in finding solutions that keep the district moving forward.”
Fox will be succeeded by Patricia Swanson, who has been Linwood Public Schools’ business administrator since 2023.
Fox, a Cape May Court House resident, first worked in Middle Township Public Schools’ business office from 2000-2004, serving as the district’s fiscal officer. She left for Cape May County Special Services School District, where she was the assistant business administrator and then business administrator before returning to MTPS in 2012.
Patricia Swanson, Middle Township Public Schools’ next business administrator, has experience in the Linwood and Ocean City school districts.
Fox is a leader in her profession statewide, having served as the president of the New Jersey Association of School Business Officials (NJASBO) and the Cape May County Association of School Business Officials. In 2024, she received NJASBO’s prestigious School Business Administrator of the Year award. She is a member of ASBO International, the New Jersey Society of CPAs and The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Reflecting on her time at the Middle Township district, Fox said the relationships have been the highlight.
“I enjoy the opportunity to work with so many dedicated people across the district,” she said. “The relationships and collaboration with staff are truly the best part of the job. I also appreciate the financial side of the work – both the parts I love and the parts that challenge me.”
Fox said she looks forward to seeing MTPS continue to thrive.
“Our district exists to serve students, and every decision we make should reflect what is best for their learning, well-being and future opportunities,” she said. “I would like to see our programs continue to expand and evolve so they remain current with students’ needs, interests and aspirations. I want Middle Township to become the model district in Cape May County – a place known for strong programs, responsible financial stewardship, and a culture that supports both staff and students.”
MTPS Superintendent of Schools Stephanie DeRose said she is grateful for Fox’s dedication and expertise.
“Diane has exceptional wisdom in her field, and we appreciate her years of service at MTPS. We wish her a wonderful and well-deserved retirement,” said DeRose. “We also look forward to working with Patricia, whose energy and knowledge will help us continue our commitment to high-quality education and experiences for our students.”
Swanson, who grew up in Ocean City and graduated from Ocean City High School, is excited to return to Cape May County and work for MTPS.
“My goal is to discover opportunities and efficiencies to help maximize Middle Township’s budget to serve the district’s students, staff and community to the fullest extent possible,” said Swanson. “I am looking forward to collaborating with the board and administration to assist them in making their visions a reality.”
Swanson earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the University of Richmond and began substitute teaching for Ocean City School District. She grew into her school business career at the district, starting full-time in 2013 as an accounts payable clerk while earning her Master of Business Administration from Saint Joseph’s University. She became OCSD’s assistant school business administrator in 2020, and moved on to a school business administrator role at Linwood Public Schools in 2023.
“I am very proud of my professional journey, and I can’t wait for my next chapter in Middle Township,” said Swanson. “I have a daughter in preschool, so I am particularly passionate about helping the district expand their preschool program since I have experienced its critical value on a personal level.”