Each year, New Jersey school districts nominate their educators for the prestigious Governor’s Educator of the Year Award through the New Jersey Department of Education. The program seeks to recognize educators “who have gone above and beyond in their service to New Jersey’s students” and to create a culture that recognizes excellence and brings public attention to the work of outstanding educators.

“On behalf of the district and Board of Education, I want to say, ‘congratulations’ and ‘thank you’ to the 10 teachers and educational services professionals who were recognized through the program,” said Superintendent Alvin Freeman, Ed.D. “Their hard work and dedication to student success is what makes Bound Brook School District and its students bound for greatness.”

The Governor’s Educator of the Year recipients are:

Teachers:

Samantha Melesurgo, LaMonte/LaMonte Annex Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

Stephanie Ackley, Lafayette Elementary Art Teacher

Gina Petrusky, Smalley Elementary Gifted and Talented Program Instructor

Kim Kredatus, Community Middle School Science Teacher

Joelle Smith, Bound Brook High School Mathematics Teacher

Educational Services Professionals:

Alma Pena, LaMonte/LaMonte Annex Teacher Assistant

Renee Jacobs-Grauer, Lafayette Elementary Speech Therapist

Lee Eaton, Smalley Elementary School Counselor

Genesis Picado, Community Middle School Teacher Assistant

Deborah Paulsen, Bound Brook High School Student Assistance Counselor

“We are incredibly honored to continue growing our relationship with Rutgers University and to streamline the path for classroom aides and paraprofessionals in Bound Brook to earn their teaching certificates,” said Superintendent Dr. Alvin Freeman. “Bound Brook’s educational support professionals already contribute so much to our schools and students, and this grant provides them with the financial support and mentorship to advance their careers as educators.” 

The state DOE awarded Ramapo College and Rutgers University in New Brunswick $400,000 each to partner with eight school districts. Funding will be used to offset the costs associated with tuition, books and materials, mentorships, and structured on-the-job training. 

Chief Academic Officer Robyn Griffin said this opportunity is important to BBSD as schools across the state and country look for ways to recruit and retain K-12 teachers amid shortages. The program came from recommendations of the Task Force on Public School Staff Shortages in New Jersey. 

“We hope that one of the outcomes of this program will be a stronger and more diversified teaching staff in BBSD,” Griffin said. “Not everyone follows a traditional path to become a teacher, so this program provides the support and mentorship for our classroom aides and paraprofessionals to become teachers and play an even greater role in the lives of Bound Brook students.” 

Paraprofessionals in the program can typically earn their state teaching certification in two to four years, depending on their level of experience and education when beginning the program. The program targets fields disproportionately impacted by staff shortages, such as special education, science, math, English as a second language, and bilingual education.  

“We are excited to begin this work and to continue growing our relationship with Rutgers,” Griffin said. “This program stands to benefit many paraprofessionals and classroom aides in Bound Brook.” 

The new space comfortably fits 256 students – and serves as a true multi-purpose space for Lafayette. All School Meetings – a monthly school-wide gathering – are easier in the space. Students can meet to honor birthdays, student of the month ceremonies, and even hold student performances.

Jonathan Bal, a second grader at Lafayette, has watched the construction firsthand and noticed the impact of the cafeteria. “It’s a good place to hang out with my friends and take a break from work,” he said about the new space. Pizza Fridays in the space always bring a smile to the faces of him and his friends.

“We are all thrilled to have this new space,” said Lafayette Principal Ms. Deirdre Kehayas. “We are all super excited for Ms. Nelson to finally have a dedicated space to teach students about the importance of a healthy and active lifestyle.”

The addition has already increased the functionality of Lafayette Elementary School. Before the new cafeteria, students used the gym as an auditorium and cafeteria. That created an almost two-hour period where most physical education (PE) classes could not happen in the gym. Some physical education classes were held outside in the winter months, weather permitting, or in students’ regular classrooms.

Before winter break, students used the space to rehearse for the Winter Concert. The school looks forward to hosting other events like book fairs, class pictures and concerts in the spacious cafeteria without interfering with other schedules.

Please tell us your educational background and what you’ve done prior to joining Bound Brook in August 2023.

I have been in the education field since 2009. I have a masters in Childhood and Special Education as well as a masters in Educational Leadership.

I spent a majority of my teaching career serving the students and families in the Bronx working for the New York City Department of Education. I was a special education teacher, an instructional coach and most recently an assistant principal. I would oversee instruction in kindergarten and first grade as well as all special education classes in kindergarten through fifth grade.

What made you want to work at Bound Brook?

I fell in love with the area years ago, and I have seen the development and growth of the community recently. It has been my dream for a while to move here – close enough to my remaining family on the East Coast but away from NYC. I want to be part of the community where I teach and lead. I want to impact change in the school, in the classroom and in the community. I feel like I can accomplish this in Bound Brook.

What inspired you to become a school principal?

I was fortunate and lucky enough to work with a principal who believed in building capacity and encouraged teachers to use their strengths, genius and talents to build a better tomorrow for our children and grandchildren. She was the one who helped me come out of the classroom (literally and figuratively) to share my best practices with other teachers and collaborate to meet the needs of all our students. She is a phenomenal teacher, educator and leader, and if I am half the principal she is – then I would consider myself successful.

What are you most looking forward to this school year?

I am looking forward to building relationships with teachers, staff, students and families. I can’t wait to experience the school year with the wonderful people of Bound Brook who made me feel so welcome. I am excited to work with the teachers and support them throughout the year.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I look forward to spending time with my family and friends. I love to visit my mom and sisters in California. You can usually find me on a Soulcycle bike on the weekends. My guilty pleasure is anything Bravo related!

Please see the attached flyer for more information regarding specific times for each date. We have also attached a guide regarding the online pre-registration process and the documentation you must bring to your appointment. Eligible Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K) students must be four years old on or before October 1, 2022. Eligible Kindergarten students must be five years old on or before October 1, 2022. If your child already attends Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K) at LaMonte School, you do not need to register them for Kindergarten. They will automatically be registered.

Many thanks,

Bound Brook School District

Attached Files: 

• 2022-23 PreK-K Registration Flyer – Folleto Sobre La Inscripción para PreK-K en 2022-23.pdf
• Pre-Registration Process Flyer – Folleto Sobre El Proceso de Pre-Inscripción.pdf