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Special Education

Hackensack BOE Pres Resigns, Cites Board Drama, Wasted Resources As Challenges (WATCH) Hackensack BOE Pres Resigns, Cites Board Drama, Wasted Resources As Challenges (WATCH)
Hackensack BOE Pres Resigns, Cites Board Drama, Wasted Resources As Challenges (Watch) Hackensack Public Schools Board of Education President Scott James-Vickery announced his resignation during his final board meeting Wednesday, Dec. 18, using the occasion to highlight persistent challenges he believes are holding the district back from reaching its full potential. James-Vickery, who served six years on the board and held the role of president since 2019, listed several issues he said have hindered Hackensack Public Schools, including internal politics, wasted resources, and a lack of focus on students’ needs.  “The students’ resources are being drained by the board,” h…
Watch: North Jersey Teacher Surprised With 'Oscars Of Teaching' Award Watch: North Jersey Teacher Surprised With 'Oscars Of Teaching' Award
Watch: North Jersey Teacher Surprised With 'Oscars Of Teaching' Award Students, teachers, and community leaders gathered at a New Jersey Middle School Thursday, Nov. 14, expecting a standard visit from New Jersey Acting Education Commissioner Kevin Dehmer.  But the assembly at Malcolm E. Nettingham Middle School took an exciting twist when Dr. Jane Foley of the Milken Educator Awards took the stage to reveal that fifth-grade teacher Emily Litz was New Jersey’s only recipient of the 2024-25 Milken Educator Award, often referred to as the "Oscars of Teaching." Along with the honor, Litz received an unrestricted $25,000 prize and made hi…
NJ, Meet Your Sup't Of The Year, AKA 'The Man Who Cancels School When It Snows' NJ, Meet Your Sup't Of The Year, AKA 'The Man Who Cancels School When It Snows'
NJ, Meet Your Sup't Of The Year, AKA 'The Man Who Cancels School When It Snows' New Jersey, meet your superintendent of the year. Rutherford Public Schools Superintendent Jack Hurley, who has spent nearly 50 years in education, was named the state's top superintendent on Monday, Oct. 28 by the New Jersey Association of School Administrators. The American Association of School Administrators will choose the National Superintendent of the Year from among the statewide winners in March. Hurley never doubted that he chose the right field. “Education is the greatest profession,” Hurley said. “We create the foundation for every occupation and help shape the future o…
Passaic County School District's Superintendent Leaving For Bergen County Regional District Passaic County School District's Superintendent Leaving For Bergen County Regional District
Passaic County School District's Superintendent Leaving For Bergen County Regional District The Westwood Regional Public School District has appointed a new superintendent. Dr. Patrick McQueeney, who has been serving as the leader of Wanaque schools since 2021, will helm the Westwood Regional School District (WWRSD) come November. The move was approved at the Thursday, Sept. 26 WWRSD Board of Ed (BoE) meeting. The nine-member board voted 8-0, with one abstention, to execute a contract with McQueeney, asking him to take the lead as soon as possible, but no later than Nov. 27. His five-year contract will begin on Nov. 1. McQueeney submitted his resignation to Wanaque on Friday…
Sudden Death Of NJ High School Assistant Principal Spreads Shock, Sadness Sudden Death Of NJ High School Assistant Principal Spreads Shock, Sadness
Sudden Death Of NJ High School Assistant Principal Spreads Shock, Sadness A New Jersey community was mourning the sudden loss of a high school administrator and father of five. Andrew "AJ" Barchetto, 46, died unexpectedly on Sunday, Sept. 22, according to family members and his obituary on the Wood Funeral Home website. Barchetto was the assistant principal of Oakcrest High School, where he also served as the supervisor of special education and child study team, the school's website says. OHS Principal Michael Manning shared the following with Daily Voice: Oakcrest is coping as well as could be hoped. Mr. Barchetto was a trusted and loved administrator. He was …
Top Educators In Each Of NJ's 21 Counties Named Top Educators In Each Of NJ's 21 Counties Named
Top Educators In Each Of NJ's 21 Counties Named The New Jersey Department of Education has named the top 21 educators in the state. The department released the list of the 2024-25 New Jersey County Teachers of the Year on Tuesday, Aug. 6.  They are: Atlantic County: Carly Broomhead, Visual Arts Teacher at Emma C. Attales Middle School in the Absecon School District Bergen County: Margarita Diakos, Special Education Teacher at Ramsey High School in the Ramsey School District Burlington County: Margaret Fanourgakis, Health & Physical Education Teacher at Shawnee High School in the Lenape Regional Hi…
Superintendent Of NJ School District Dies Superintendent Of NJ School District Dies
Superintendent Of NJ School District Dies The Montclair Public School District is mourning the loss of its superintendent. A message posted on the district website said only that the district is mourning the passing of Dr. Jonathan Ponds. Ponds was principal to students at the Parsons Elementary School in North Brunswick from 2012 to 2015 and also served as a superintendent and principal in Moonachie. Ponds also had experience working as a special education teacher, basketball coach, vice principal, and dean of students, his bio on the Montclair Schools website said. The district's director of secondary education Damen Coope…
Morris County Teacher, Mom Cheryl Granito Dies After Breast Cancer Battle Morris County Teacher, Mom Cheryl Granito Dies After Breast Cancer Battle
Morris County Teacher, Mom Cheryl Granito Dies After Breast Cancer Battle Cheryl Granito, a teacher in Morris County, died on Sunday, March 10, after battling metastatic breast cancer, according to her obituary. Born in Toronto, Granito moved to Chatham and grew up in Madison, graduating from Madison High School, her obituary reads.  Graduating from the University of Rhode Island in 1998, she met her husband Mark in 2002, and the two married in 2008 before settling in Denville, according to her obituary. This is unbelievably heartbreaking 😢 💔 Cheryl was a teacher at the boys’ elementary school. She was also a Denville... Posted by Charlene Scott on&nbs…
Don't Miss NJ Teacher, Artist Competing For $1 Million On 'Survivor 46' Don't Miss NJ Teacher, Artist Competing For $1 Million On 'Survivor 46'
Don't Miss NJ Teacher, Artist Competing For $1 Million On 'Survivor 46' The Garden State is going to be well represented on the next season of "Survivor," which premieres Thursday, Feb. 28. Two contestants in the upcoming 46th season of the venerable reality show call New Jersey home- Soda Thompson, a Lake Hopatcong resident and Tiffany Nicole Ervin, a native of Franklin Township who lives in Elizabeth. Soda Thompson, 27 is a special education teacher who enjoys singing, talking walks and doing random crafts, according to a cast biography. She said she plans to play a game mirroring the 42nd season. "I can’t put into words what this experience has meant for me…
Fate Of $49.2 Bond — With $29M Option — For Becton Regional High School Determined By Taxpayers Fate Of $49.2 Bond — With $29M Option — For Becton Regional High School Determined By Taxpayers
Fate Of $49.2 Bond — With $29M Option — For Becton Regional High School Determined By Taxpayers One growing Bergen County high school is proposing a $49.2 million bond that would fund new construction and renovations, two years after a $55 million proposal was shot down by voters. Becton Regional High School serves students from East Rutherford, Carlstadt, and Maywood. Residents of East Rutherford and Carlstadt will vote on the proposed bond on March 12. Maywood, who in 2020 for the first time sent 340 of its students to BRHS, will not be voting but will contribute financially through its tuition contract if the bond is approved. The new BRHS proposal is comprised of three parts, and…
Christine Grogan, Wyckoff Resident, Dies After Three-Year ALS Battle Christine Grogan, Wyckoff Resident, Dies After Three-Year ALS Battle
Christine Grogan, Wyckoff Resident, Dies After Three-Year ALS Battle Christine Grogan, a 60-year-old Wyckoff resident, died on Sunday, Dec. 31, three years after being diagnosed with ALS. A special education teacher, Grogan worked as director of the Epic School in Paramus and for the Learners' Compass in Tenafly, according to her obituary. Grogan was devoted to helping people diagnosed with autism. Grogan was married to Christopher Grogan, a Glen Ridge police officer. The Glen Ridge Police Benevolent Association has established a fundraiser to assist with funeral costs. As of Friday, Jan. 5, more than $10,000 has been raised. On Sunday, December 31, 202…
North Jersey Rallies Around Teacher Facing Hardest Challenge North Jersey Rallies Around Teacher Facing Hardest Challenge
North Jersey Rallies Around Teacher Facing Hardest Challenge Sharon Governale has been battling health issues her entire life. But now she faces her toughest battle. In May, Governale underwent emergency spinal surgery after an infection traveled to her spinal cord. While the surgery was successful, her spinal column suffered severe damage, rendering her a quadriplegic. She currently uses a motorized wheelchair.  Governale has rheumatoid arthritis, has had two hip replacements and battled thyroid cancer. Her health challenges haven't stopped her from working as a preschool special education teacher for the last 18 years and having a three-year-o…
Longtime Jersey City Educator, Teaching Advocate Bob Cecchini Dies Longtime Jersey City Educator, Teaching Advocate Bob Cecchini Dies
Longtime Jersey City Educator, Teaching Advocate Bob Cecchini Dies Bob Cecchini, a passionate advocate for teaching and for his fellow educators, died Monday, May 29. He was 72 years old. A Jersey City native, Cecchini taught special education for 35 years, his obituary reads. His work for the teachers' union was just one area where Cecchini made his mark.  He served as union representative, grievance chairman and vice president and chief negotiator for the Jersey City Education Association, helping to negotiate teacher contracts and advocating for his co-workers, according to his obituary. Remembering Bob Cecchini, a Powerful Voice for Teachers in …
Classroom Crying Spells, Discrimination Law Violations Named In NJ Kindergarten Teacher's Suit Classroom Crying Spells, Discrimination Law Violations Named In NJ Kindergarten Teacher's Suit
Classroom Crying Spells, Discrimination Law Violations Named In NJ Kindergarten Teacher's Suit The South Orange-Maplewood School District is facing a lawsuit from a former 34-year-old Kindergarten teacher alleging officials failed to accommodate her disability amid "crying spells" in the classroom, forcing her to resign. Sarah Barlow says the trouble began during the 2019-2020 year when she got into disagreements with South Mountain Elementary School principal, who later believed she had filed a report saying he was having a sexual relationship with a first-grade teacher, according to a lawsuit filed in Essex County Superior Court. Barlow was transferred out of South Mounta…
Remembering Temara King: Teacher, Mom Believed Killed By Husband In Jersey City Remembering Temara King: Teacher, Mom Believed Killed By Husband In Jersey City
Remembering Temara King: Teacher, Mom Believed Killed By Husband In Jersey City Tributes are pouring in for Temara Sarafina King, the Jersey City schoolteacher and beloved mother police say was fatally shot by her husband earlier this week. King, 35, was pronounced dead at the hospital after officers found her with several gunshot wounds at a home on the 300 block of Bergen Avenue the morning of Tuesday, Jan. 24, DailyVoice reported. Meanwhile, her husband, Lucas Cooper, 39, was being held in Bethlehem, PA, on charges of murder, weapon possession, and child endangerment. King, a special education teacher for PS No. 5 school in Jersey City, is remembered as being endl…
Victim Of Fiery Crash On Cross Bronx Expressway Was Special Ed. Teacher From NJ Victim Of Fiery Crash On Cross Bronx Expressway Was Special Ed. Teacher From NJ
Victim Of Fiery Crash On Cross Bronx Expressway Was Special Ed. Teacher From NJ A 49-year-old special education teacher from New Jersey has been identified in a fiery crash on the Cross Bronx Expressway early Tuesday, Nov. 29, police said. Shelly Vilsaint's Range Rover collided with a tractor trailer contracted by the U.S. Postal Service in the westbound lanes around 12:35 a.m. near the Major Deegan Expressway, according to police and the New York Post. Vilsaint was sitting in her car behind the trailer when another tractor trailer slammed into her vehicle, igniting a fire that spread to the first tractor trailer. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Neither t…
Beloved Sparta School Teacher Dies Suddenly After Having Severe Brain Hemorrhage While Driving Beloved Sparta School Teacher Dies Suddenly After Having Severe Brain Hemorrhage While Driving
Beloved Sparta School Teacher Dies Suddenly After Having Severe Brain Hemorrhage While Driving Beloved Sparta elementary school teacher Elaine “Louise” Shepherd died unexpectedly at Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla, New York after having a severe brain hemorrhage and going into cardiac arrest while driving home from Boston on Monday, Sept. 26. She was 57. Born in Stakeford, Northumberland, England, Louise went to Bedlington High School before graduating from Northumberland College in Ashington, her obituary says. Louise then went to the US for what was initially supposed to be a six-month job as a nanny in 1985 — but after meeting her husband, Scott, the pair decided to settle …
Teaneck District Pays $50,000 To Settle Special Ed Teacher's Sexual Harassment Suit Teaneck District Pays $50,000 To Settle Special Ed Teacher's Sexual Harassment Suit
Teaneck District Pays $50,000 To Settle Special Ed Teacher's Sexual Harassment Suit The Teaneck school district confidentially paid $50,000 to settle a lawsuit filed by a former special education teacher who said she was fired after refusing the then-principal’s sexual advances, records show. Whittier Elementary School Principal Pedro H. Valdes III – now the principal of Teaneck High School -- engaged in “overly flirtatious” behavior that was “disturbing and intimidating at best," Grace Kenny charged in a sexual discrimination lawsuit. Rather than go to trial, district officials settled the case and agreed, along with Kenny, to keep the terms of the deal confidential. Set…
North Jersey Mom, Beloved Special Education Worker Lauren Marek Dies, 35 North Jersey Mom, Beloved Special Education Worker Lauren Marek Dies, 35
North Jersey Mom, Beloved Special Education Worker Lauren Marek Dies, 35 A North Jersey family is mourning the loss of the "center of their universe." Lauren Marek of West Caldwell died on Dec. 19 at Mountainside Medical Center in Glen Ridge, her obituary says. She was 35 years old. Marek was married to John Marek and was the mother of Audrey, 7, and John, 4. A GoFundMe page launched for Marek's family had raised $35,000 as of Tuesday evening. "Lauren was a kind and compassionate person who was always first in line to help anyone in need," the page reads. "She was always volunteering, asking what else she could do and never asked for anything in return." …
Support Surges For Beloved Hackettstown Dad, Special Ed Teacher & Coach Diagnosed With Cancer Support Surges For Beloved Hackettstown Dad, Special Ed Teacher & Coach Diagnosed With Cancer
Support Surges For Beloved Hackettstown Dad, Special Ed Teacher & Coach Diagnosed With Cancer Support is on the rise for a beloved Hackettstown father, longtime special education teacher and coach who was recently diagnosed with cancer. Ed Wehmeyer, a lifelong Hackettstown resident, was diagnosed with stage III cancer in September, according to a GoFundMe launched by his daughter, Jordyn. “We are kindly and humbly asking for your help,” writes Jordyn. Wehmeyer was well-known for his athletic talent in high school, Jordyn says. He was inducted into the Hackettstown High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2018. “My father still enjoys going to all the Hackettstown athletic events to su…
North Jersey HS Grad Leaves Touching Message In Journal Shared After Death From Cancer At 20 North Jersey HS Grad Leaves Touching Message In Journal Shared After Death From Cancer At 20
North Jersey HS Grad Leaves Touching Message In Journal Shared After Death From Cancer At 20 North Hunterdon High School graduate, college student and beloved friend Kathryn Rose Berger left a heartbreakingly touching message in her journal that was shared after her death from brain cancer on June 1 at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia at the age of 20. Born in New Brunswick, Kathryn grew up in Bethlehem Township and participated in theater and choir groups at school, her obituary says. Kathryn was known for her “impeccable” comedic wit and timing — particularly when she portrayed the principal in her school’s production of Grease. Kathryn was passionate about helping indivi…
Morris County Mom, Special Ed Teacher Jennie Byram Dies After 5-Year Breast Cancer Battle, 34 Morris County Mom, Special Ed Teacher Jennie Byram Dies After 5-Year Breast Cancer Battle, 34
Morris County Mom, Special Ed Teacher Jennie Byram Dies After 5-Year Breast Cancer Battle, 34 Morris County mom and special education teacher Jennie Elizabeth Byram died Jan. 22 following a five-year battle with metastatic breast cancer. She was 34. Byram was born in the Bronx and grew up in Butler, her obituary says. She “made her childhood dream come true” by pursuing special education and teaching students in a one-on-one setting for seven years, her obituary says. Byram, who lived in Morristown at the time of her death, worked as a co-teacher at Mary Kay McMillin Early Education Center in Berkeley Heights during the last two years of her teaching career, her memorial says. Byra…
North Jersey School Districts Across County Lines Will Share Same Superintendent North Jersey School Districts Across County Lines Will Share Same Superintendent
North Jersey School Districts Across County Lines Will Share Same Superintendent A high school isn't the only thing Bloomingdale and Butler will be sharing.  Starting Jan. 1, the two districts will share the same superintendent, ending Bloomingdale's longtime search. Dr. Daniel Johnson made the announcement to both "learning communities" in Passaic and Morris counties on Wednesday. "Butler and Bloomingdale have had a relationship for the better part of the past 100 years, and it is logical for the districts to begin to share services for the best interest of students and staff," said Johnson, who was hired in Butler in 2018. "Starting today, we redefine our longs…
LAWSUIT: Bergen Dad Says Daughter Was Cut From Volleyball Team Over Seizure Disorder, Bullied LAWSUIT: Bergen Dad Says Daughter Was Cut From Volleyball Team Over Seizure Disorder, Bullied
Lawsuit: Bergen Dad Says Daughter Was Cut From Volleyball Team Over Seizure Disorder, Bullied A Bergen County K-8 district and its principal are facing a lawsuit saying they violated New Jersey's discrimination and any-bullying laws after a student was cut from the volleyball team because of her seizure disorder. Filed Oct. 1 in the county's Superior Court by Justin Puliatte, the suit says the Norwood Public School's volleyball team helped "E.P." feel better about herself in sixth and seventh grades, despite suffering from ADHD, epilepsy, OCD and social anxiety, NJ.com and NorthJersey.com report. In September 2019, though, she was the only eighth grade student who tried out and was …
LAWSUIT: Asbury Park, State Clash Over COVID-19 Indoor Dining Ban LAWSUIT: Asbury Park, State Clash Over COVID-19 Indoor Dining Ban
Lawsuit: Asbury Park, State Clash Over Covid-19 Indoor Dining Ban New Jersey is suing Asbury Park over its local decision defying Gov. Phil Murphy's orders and allowing restaurants to reopen indoor dining areas, state officials said. "We have put the health and safety protocols in place so that you can have confidence," Gov. Phil Murphy said at a Friday afternoon news briefing. State officials have tried to amicably resolve its dispute with Asbury Park government officials and "unfortunately they have not done so," Murphy said. "We believe indoor restaurants can run in a safe manner provided they are subject to all the requirements outlined in Executive …
Cliffside Park Baseball Coach Ben Luderer, 30, Dies Of Coronavirus Cliffside Park Baseball Coach Ben Luderer, 30, Dies Of Coronavirus
Cliffside Park Baseball Coach Ben Luderer, 30, Dies Of Coronavirus A 30-year-old Cliffside Park baseball coach and special education teacher died from complications related to coronavirus. Ben Luderer, of River Vale, was starting catcher for Don Bosco Prep's team in 2008 -- which won the national championship with a 33-0 finish -- and later played for Marist College. Cliffside Park Superintendent Michael Romagnino announced Luderer's passing Monday. Luderer went to the hospital but was sent home because his symptoms presented as minor, his former Bosco coach Greg Butler told NorthJersey.com. Luderer's former Bosco teammate Michael Apreda rememb…
Middlesex Coach Fired For Strip Searching Wrestlers Before Sex Assault Charge, Reports Say Middlesex Coach Fired For Strip Searching Wrestlers Before Sex Assault Charge, Reports Say
Middlesex Coach Fired For Strip Searching Wrestlers Before Sex Assault Charge, Reports Say The 43-year-old Middlesex County wrestling coach accused of sexually assaulting a teen was previously accused of inappropriate behavior, including strip searches of students, a lawsuit says. John M. Denuto was arrested Saturday and charged with possession of child pornography, the sexual assault of a teenager and photographing a child in a sex act He was suspended with pay from his job as a special education math teacher at Sayreville Middle School, the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office said. Denuto of Spotswood was previously a wrestling coach at 15 high schools across N…
State Revokes Teaching License Of Bergen Special Ed Sup't Accused Of Covering Security Cameras State Revokes Teaching License Of Bergen Special Ed Sup't Accused Of Covering Security Cameras
State Revokes Teaching License Of Bergen Special Ed Sup't Accused Of Covering Security Cameras State officials revoked the teaching license of one of the highest-paid school superintendents in New Jersey. Dawn Fidanza, formerly at the helm of The South Bergen Jointure Commission (a Hasbrouck Heights-based special education public school district) apparently created a new job for her daughter without approval and then covered lenses of security cameras in the SBA offices so that co-workers "could not see the comings and goings of her daughter," an investigation found. Fidanza of Ridgewood was placed on a leave of absence in November 2017 and resigned the following month. She was…
Top North Jersey Educators Compete For New Jersey 'Teacher Of The Year' Award Top North Jersey Educators Compete For New Jersey 'Teacher Of The Year' Award
Top North Jersey Educators Compete For New Jersey 'Teacher Of The Year' Award Two educators from Bergen and Passaic counties are among the 21 recognized by the New Jersey Department of Education competing for the "Teacher of the Year" award. A panel of educators will make the selection in October at the State Board of Education meeting. The winner will go on to represent New Jersey in competing for the title of National Teacher of the Year. Gov. Phil Murphy said the educators chosen "exemplify the outstanding level of talent and commitment that exists in New Jersey’s public schools. "Their hard work and dedication is a critical part of making our …