New Providence students from pre-K through 12th grade are heading into the 2026-27 school year carrying a distinction few districts can match: the NAMM Foundation just named the district a "Best Community for Music Education" for the 15th time — the highest total in Union County.

New Providence first earned the designation in 2006, then claimed it every single year from 2013 through 2026. The national program, now in its 27th year, evaluates districts on music participation rates, teacher-to-student ratios, graduation requirements, facilities and budget, with survey responses verified by the Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.

The district's music program runs pre-K through 12th grade, offering band, orchestra, chorus, drama and auditioned ensembles at every school. New Providence High School goes even further, offering music theory, technical theatre and small-group voice lessons. Superintendent Dr. Zirpoli credited the achievement to the people making it happen every day, calling the recognition "a collaborative effort between our dedicated staff and enthusiastic, talented students."

Alongside the NAMM news, the district announced four winners of the 2026 Union County Teacher Recognition Program Award: Dan Barletta (New Providence High School), Brian Cooper (New Providence Middle School), Jennifer Minich (Salt Brook School), and Michele Picarelli (Allen W. Roberts School). The county program, sponsored by the Union County Superintendents' Roundtable, honors one standout teacher from every school countywide.

The 2027 NAMM Best Community for Music Education application window opens Oct. 14 and closes Jan. 31, 2027 — New Providence's next chance to extend a streak that's already one of the strongest in the state.