District News

From August 27th-29th, the Somerset Hills School District hosted new educators at its New Teacher Orientation. The multi-day event began with a Meet & Greet attended by all SHSD administrators, followed by a warm welcome keynote from Dr. Brian Brotschul, Superintendent of Schools. Afterward, there were numerous training sessions led by a variety of SHSD staff. Those new to the district received training on technology, HIBs, wellness, Danielson Educator Evaluations, and many features of Genesis, the district’s new student information system. Time was allotted for campus tours, as well as opportunities for new educators to get oriented in their buildings and set up their classrooms. “We are excited each year to welcome our newest members to the Somerset Hills family; our newest educators will stand on the shoulders of those who have come before them as they support our students this September,” said Dr. Coleen Butler, Assistant Superintendent.

For the entire district, the 2024-2025 school year is set to begin with the return of all staff on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, and subsequently with the return of its 1,600+ students on Thursday, September 5, 2024.

Of the 308 staff members, the following new faces are part of the team-Bedwell Elementary School welcomed a new Assistant Principal, Jasmine Akauola, who will be working with Keith Koellhoffer in his new role as Acting Principal. New BES staff are Emma Lourenco, Marissa Lynch-Smith, Alyssa Sakin, and Sarah Roth. 

Joining Bernardsville Middle School in August, as Interim Assistant Principal, is Michael Richter. He will work alongside Principal Lisa Garofalo this year. New staff to BMS are Allyssa Jurgens, Michele Adkins, Samantha Turner, Michael Filieri, and Sara Cronin. 

Along with Assistant Principals Michael Corbett and Mike Hoppe, Principal Scott Neigel was excited to welcome Yahaira Gomes to the Bernards High School Main Office, as well as the following staff to the high school campus: Lilian Palmere, Kyle Wierzbicki, and Timothy Zangara. Felicia DiSabato, Joseph Palma, and Rachael Taesler have been hired as permanent substitutes at BHS.

New additions to the SHSD Transportation, Maintenance, and Custodial departments are Frances DeJesus, Jannette Vega, Robert Yannotta, Maribel Turner, and Lady Cantor. Lastly, arriving this summer to the Olcott Administrative Offices were Connor Flynn, Pari Melkote, Jodi Smith, and Julianne Galuppo. 

“As we enter into the 2024-2025 school year we certainly look to bridge our great successes with our future experiences.  In Somerset Hills, we believe that we are here to serve and to ensure that all students receive a top-quality education that exceeds their expectations to attain future success.  I’ll underscore that “all” means “all”.  It doesn’t mean “some” or “most.”  It means that every single student needs to be placed in a position to be supported and to be successful.  That is our overarching mission here in Somerset Hills,” said Dr. Brotschul.