After two full careers, Mr. Kleinman is looking forward to spending time with his family when he retires. Photo by Jose Perez

By Jose Perez

After a long career in the Passaic school district Mr. Brian Kleinman is retiring to spend time with his two granddaughters and his family.
He said that he has seen a lot of changes over the years in the town of Passaic, and in the schools that serve the students here, but the students themselves are the constant. Mr. Kleinman is one of those kids himself.

Growing up in Passaic he graduated from Passaic High School. Not many people know this but he was a wrestler for Passaic, under Coach Westerfield. He was even ranked in the county. However, after graduation he went to college to become an elementary education teacher.
He came back home in 1972 to teach at number 11 school. Kleinman also taught at number 9 and number 8 schools as well until he 1979, when he went into business.

Effort in the business world brought success and money. So after 25 years Mr. Kleinman returned to his first and true passion, kids. He earned a master’s degree in counseling and was hired by Mr. Creech as a guidance counselor here at PHS. The next 14 years are history.
As a new guidance counselor, coming from the professional world of business, Mr. Kleinman began meeting with his students. After each meeting he would extend his hand to end the meeting with a handshake.

His first students didn’t know that a professional way to end a meeting is with a firm handshake. However, they learned quickly and after every successive meeting they would know to shake hands, and also conduct themselves in a professional and businesslike manner.

“Shaking hands is a way of giving a personal touch to every meeting,” said Mr. Kleinman of his method.

He has always striven to demonstrate common sense solutions to his students here at the high school. Helping students has also come with some conflict, such as when he was fighting for a student with Mr. Creech, who was principal here back in the 2000’s. Even though the meeting became heated, Mr. Creech assured Mr. Kleinman that there were no hard feelings because, as he put it, “I expect you to be an advocate for the kids.”

This is the advice that has directed the career of Mr. Kleinman here for many years.

There are many problems that all students encounter every day. Either trouble in school, or at home, the problems are similar. However, “Every student attacks their similar problems in many different ways,” said Mr. Kleinman. “I have always kept my door open and have never turned a student away who needed help,” he added.

Students know this to be true, one student, who is graduating this year said, “I know that whenever I had a problem, if I could find Mr. Kleinman, I would be okay.” He added, “He is the best counselor there.”

This sentiment is echoed throughout the graduating class.

Mr. Kleinman attributes his success to his common sense approach to dealing with student problems. “I am not a miracle worker,” he said, “I can help student create a plan, but they need to put forth the effort and do the work.”

After two full careers Mr. Kleinman is ready to enjoy his family and his home. He does not plan on traveling.

He said, “No, I really don’t like going places. I will be staying at home, God willing, healthy, with the in-ground swimming pool so that I can be there when the grandkids come over to visit.”

While he has certainly earned a break from solving problems, Mr. Kleinman says that he will stay involved in the lives of the students here at PHS. He plans on helping students find and earn scholarships.

He wishes to leave the students at PHS with these words of wisdom, learned from his many years of work and success. “There are no restrictions and no boundaries that will stop you if you do your part.”

We should definitely do our part in the spirit and memory of this great advocate for the students. Good luck in your well-deserved retirement!