District News

Final summer bucket list items being accomplished, summer reading lists being finished, and school supplies being purchased… all signs pointing to a brand new school year about to start! 

The Somerset Hills School District was excited to welcome new staff this week. Beginning on August 18th, the district hosted a three-day New Educator Orientation. Participants received training in areas that included: technology, lesson planning, classroom management, wellness,  HIB, Title IX, Genesis, Outlook and more! Additionally, they met with SHEA President Sarah Falzarano and Jess d'Anunciacao, SHEA Membership Chair. Time incorporated into the orientation program allowed new staff to enjoy tours of their campuses and to set up their classrooms. A shared theme amongst the group was a sense of community; they are ready to educate and nurture students within their own school communities, as well as to contribute to the district and surrounding communities of Bernardsville, Bedminster, Far Hills and Peapack-Gladstone.

“When SHSD moves forward with staff members, we recognize that all new hires knowingly entered into a competition to be appointed to work with the most prized treasures in the Somerset Hills communities: our children,” shared Dr. Brian Brotschul, Superintendent. “While we hire the very best instructors to ensure our children reach their full potential, we also hire great people who can connect, motivate, and inspire the next generation of contributors at Somerset Hills. Our students return in August, and I cannot wait to see our new staff interact with them in their classrooms.”

Proudly joining the District for the 2026-2027 school year:

Mrs. Arielle Rementilla officially took on her role as Assistant Principal at Bedwell Elementary School on July 1st. Joining her, Principal Scott Wolfe, and the Bedwell staff this school year are: Alyson Cohen, Grade 4; Terri Johnson, Art; Emma Van Kooy, School Counselor; and Samantha Treiber, Paraprofessional. 

Principal Lisa Garofalo and Assistant Principal Keith Koellhoffer have added six new staff members to their Bernardsville Middle School roster: Christina Beaudry, Special Education; Maya Bhuyan, Special Education; Christopher Gillooly, Science; Brielle Ramundo, Language Arts; Fernando Rivera, Social Studies; and Morgan Stout, School Psychologist. 

Dr. Scott Neigel, BHS Principal, and his two Assistant Principals Dr. Michael Corbett and Mr. Mike Hoppe greeted the following new staff to Bernards High School: Eric Kane, Chemistry; Stephanie O’Brien, Biology; Taylor Smith, Math; Allison Swank, English; Kerri Valesey, English; and Nicole Wasylak, English. 

The District also welcomed Mrs. Jessica McGinn,  Supervisor of Athletics, Health and Physical Education, who began on July 1st. Joining the Transportation/Facilities departments this year are Jessie Solis, Bus Driver; Jeanneth Mora, Bus Aide; and Sindy Tomanguilla, Custodian. 

After having taken some summer moments to relax, recharge, and make memories, all SHSD staff will return to the district August 25th-27th before welcoming students for their first day of school on August 31st. Current enrollment numbers reflect 471 students attending Bedwell Elementary School this fall, 381 going to Bernardsville Middle School and 636 at Bernards High School. We wish them an incredible year of learning, growth, and personal success.