R. Sanders Haldeman has a shiny, new library card that he' s dying to use.

Haldeman, the Superintendent of the Camden County Technical Schools in Pennsauken and Gloucester Township for the past 18 years, is retiring after 35 years in the school system.

As you would imagine, he's had little time for hobbies.

``I've been in this office over 19 years and I've collected so many books that I haven't been able to read,'' said Haldeman. ``I just got a library card for the Rowan University library and I'm going to be spending some time there in the future.''

Haldeman, 59, was a principal at the Pennsauken campus for eight years and travels back and forth between both campuses regularly.

Haldeman said he's seen many changes in the schools over the last 35 years.

Changes unbelievable

``The Gloucester Township campus used to be in the boonies,'' he said of the campus off Berlin-Cross Keys Road. ``To compare what it was like then to what it's like now is unbelievable. It was so rural.''

The biggest changes are not in the geography, however, but rather in the direction vocational schools have gone over his career.

``Our sheet metal program is gone and we have seen little interest in machine mechanics and tool and die,'' he said. ``Carpentry, auto mechanics, and building trades are still going strong, though.''

One change that Haldeman welcomed was the influx of technology into almost every classroom.

``We have computer programs in the baking classes,'' he said. ``We've been expanding the classrooms for the expansion of technology for awhile now. That's been huge for the schools.''

Bennett chosen

Haldeman's successor, Gary G. Bennett has worked with Haldeman in the system for more than 20 years as assistant superintendent of business.

Bennett, who served in the Army and has a doctor of education degree from Nova Southeastern University in Florida, will be taking over a system with big possibilities.

``We're expanding our campus in Gloucester Township and adding a greenhouse and math-science center in Pennsauken,'' said Haldeman. ``We're definitely growing.''

Job is rewarding

Haldeman said Bennett's new job should be both rewarding and challenging.

``It's definitely full tilt, full time,'' he said. " Funding for the schools will always be a problem. He'll be fighting for that, for sure.''

Haldeman, whose wife Santina is principal at Glassboro High School, said he plans on relaxing at home in Mullica Hill and getting out on the golf course.

He's also got some reading to catch up on - 20 years worth.