June 2024 Bulldog Bulletin

The end of a school year is always a time of transition, and that is especially true this year in Rutherford Public Schools. We are saying goodbye to 16 retirees, who served in a variety of capacities from the business office to the classroom. All of them will be missed and remembered, and we thank them for their vast contributions to the district.

We also will soon welcome six new administrators - some of whom will fill roles vacated by retirees. In a challenging time for educational staffing, Rutherford continues to recruit and retain talented leaders. Our high standards for administrators and staff ensure that even when changes occur, we uphold the exceptional quality of Rutherford schools.

We look forward to more success in the 2024-25 school year. Until then, enjoy your summer!

Jack Hurley

Superintendent of Schools

As the President of the Rutherford Board of Education, I am honored to extend heartfelt congratulations to our esteemed retirees for their years of dedicated service and impactful contributions to our district. Your commitment has shaped the lives of countless students and left a legacy.

At the same time, I am thrilled to welcome our six new administrative and supervisory appointees. Your fresh perspectives and expertise will undoubtedly enrich our community and help us continue to achieve excellence. I also would like to recognize Diane Jones for her award for 25 years of remarkable service to the Rutherford Board of Education.

Here's to a bright future for the Rutherford School District!

Sergio Alati, Ed.D
President, Rutherford Board of Education

The National PTA Reflections Program honored RHS junior Blake Smith with the Award of Excellence as one of three second-place winners for a Film Production. Blake’s in for his work titled “The Egg.” Blake advanced to the national competition after winning at the local PTA level and the state level.

Congratulations to Leah Griffin, Grace Methe, Nina Tavani, Niki Nikolova, Angelica Rodriguez, Alex Park and Alexandra Scherban for making it into the NJ All-State Choir for the 2024-2025 school year. The group is the largest to ever represent Rutherford High School. The students had to compete against other talented singers throughout the state to earn their spots, and we are extremely proud of their hard work and dedication.

Board of Education Trustee Diane Jones (center) was honored by the Bergen County School Boards Association for her 25 years of service on the Rutherford Board of Education. Please join us in congratulating her!

Jones was joined by Superintendent of Schools Jack Hurley (from left), Board of Education Trustees James Bogosian and Christina Cole, and Board of Education President Sergio Alati, Ed.D.

Rutherford Public Schools is proud to introduce a talented group of administrators that includes new arrivals, plus familiar faces working in different places. Their expertise and leadership skills will be an asset to our district.

Jacqueline Gagliardo - Director of Guidance

Ms. Gagliardo has three years of director experience and 13 years of counseling experience in Bergenfield and South Plainfield. She also worked as a college advisor in private industry. She was a counselor at Rutherford High School in 2011 and left for a job closer to home. We welcome her as she returns to where her career began.

Andrew Howell - Assistant Principal, Pierrepont School

Mr. Howell taught at Rutherford High School for 14 years and served as the head football coach. He left the district five years ago to become the assistant principal at Lakeside Middle School in Pompton Lakes. Mr. Howell 'bleeds Rutherford blue" and we welcome him back to Bulldog Country.

Charles Ryan – Supervisor of Planning Research and Testing

Mr. Ryan started a new role in January, overseeing curriculum, testing and special programs. He has spent the last nine years as the assistant principal at Union Middle School. Previously, he was the Supervisor of Social Studies and World Language. He has been a district-wide leader, contributing to academic committees, Profile of the Rutherford Graduate Advisory Board, Blended Learning Committee, and the steering committee that created the remote learning and reopening plan during the pandemic. He began his career in Rutherford 20 years ago as a social studies teacher.

Jessica Saxon – Principal, Washington School

Ms. Saxon is the current assistant principal of Pierrepont School, a post she has held for more than five years. She has 17 years of experience in Rutherford and 18 years in education. In addition to her duties at Pierrepont, she has held leadership roles on the academic committees, Profile of the Rutherford Graduate Advisory Board, NJQSAC committee and the steering committee that created the remote learning and reopening plan during the pandemic.

Chris Viola – Assistant Principal, Union Middle School

Mr. Viola has been a teacher at Union School for 24 years. He demonstrated his leadership abilities through his work on various school and district committees, including serving as Co-President of the Rutherford Education Association and the Director of the Rutherford Recreation Summer Camp. Mr. Viola has played a key role in many of the recent district-wide scientific academic initiatives.

Matthew Whitford – Business Administrator/Board Secretary
Mr. Whitford has spent the last five years as the Business Administrator/Board Secretary for Weehawken Public Schools. He began his career in education as an accounting and economics teacher at Secaucus High School. Before moving to the world of academia, Mr. Whitford was a financial analyst for Citigroup and a staff accountant for the New Jersey Devils.

We couldn’t sum up our retirees’ contributions to Rutherford Public Schools by merely listing their titles. So, we asked those who worked closely with them to write some yearbook-style tributes. We vote all of them “Most Likely to Be Missed!”

Lourdes Benitez-Osorio

Joined district as social studies teacher at Union School, taught at RHS for the last decade.

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Described in one word: Dedicated

Known for: Staying late every day to provide extra help to students and to prepare for the day ahead

What we'll miss: How Mrs. Osorio was able to connect with and provide support to our ESL and Spanish-speaking students

Legacy: Her work toward the beautification of the RHS courtyard will allow our outdoor classroom space to thrive

Nancy Brundage

Joined district as lunch monitor at Pierrepont School, later became custodian and head custodian at the school, transferred to K Center as head custodian.

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Described in one word: Authentic

Known for: Her love of doll making

What we'll miss: The stories about Canada

Legacy: Most efficient lunch process

Ana Capria

Joined district as a kindergarten teacher, then taught elementary Spanish.

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Described in one word: Kindhearted

Known for: Her cultural and thematic lessons that complement all curricular areas

What we'll miss: Her joyful approach to interdisciplinary learning

Legacy: Getting our youngest students excited and enthusiastic about learning a second language

Irena Drywa

Joined district as a clerical assistant in the math and science department at Rutherford High School, later became the accounts payable bookkeeper.

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Described in one word: Diligent

Known for: Being dependable, loyal and kind

What we'll miss: Seeing her car with the luggage carrier -- always ready for an adventure

Legacy: Working as a team to get the job done

Brenda Fargo

Joined district as gifted and talented program teacher/coordinator, worked in parochial schools as a teacher and assistant principal, became research assistant to the superintendent in 2006, title changed to Supervisor of Planning Research and Testing in 2017.

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Described in one word: Loyal

Known for: She is the best editor you can find

What we'll miss: The multi-color sticky notes and folders

Legacy: The value based on rigorous curriculum and opportunities for all

Patricia Germain

Joined district as science teacher at Rutherford High School, advised biology club, member of the Accreditation of Growth Planning Committee, and fostered two chinchillas who enjoyed their time at RHS.

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Described in one word: Energetic

Known for: Her passion and enthusiasm for teaching is second to none.

What we’ll miss: Hearing Mr. Morano say, “You know who never ever sees the inside of my office? Pat Germain.”

Legacy: So many of her students chose the biomedical field because of her classes

Louise Hetzel

Joined district as math teacher at Union School in 2000, then became the school’s computer teacher and, later, computer integration specialist.

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Described in one word: Resourceful

Known for: She played an invaluable role as a listener and advisor
What we'll miss: Her unwavering support, attentive listening, wise counsel, and willingness to always lend a helping hand
Legacy: Kindness and generosity; her spirit of compassion and support will continue at Union School

Shannon Hopkins

Joined district as director of guidance; served as 504 coordinator, testing coordinator and management of nursing service, and co-chaired the Academic Alignment Committee.

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Described in one word: Loyal

Known for: Her calming personality in any situation

What we’ll miss: Her having the answer to any question that is asked in the guidance department

Legacy: The list of responsibilities and the many hats she has worn at Rutherford Public Schools

Joseph Kelly

Joined district as a Business Administrator and Board Secretary in 2012 after previous stays in Mount Arlington and Wanaque school districts. Mr. Kelly managed a successful 2019 referendum and subsequent construction projects, was awarded the Bergen County and New Jersey Distinguished Service Awards in 2024 by the NJ Association of School Business Officials; mentors business administrators across the region and was an officer in the Bergen County Association of School Business Officials.
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Described in one word: Meticulous

Known for: Loyal and steadfast

What we'll miss: His ability to provide for students and faculty despite tight budgets

Legacy: Creative fiscal management and putting students first

Lynn LaTorre

Joined district as a lunch aide at Pierrepont School in 1987 and then became a teacher assistant, a custodian at RHS, then RHS head custodian in 2016.

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Described in one word: Dedicated

Known for: Her passion to ensure that the building is perfect for students and staff each day

What we’ll miss: Her cleaning up and taking our plates before we are done at a party

Legacy: She has set the standard for this building’s appearance every day

Theaudry Mayfield

Joined district as a teacher at Sylvan School in 1981; when schools reorganized in 2005 she moved to Lincoln School; as a master teacher she has helped mentor other teachers and has been a leader in curriculum development and innovation.

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Described in one word: Excellence

Known for: She loves to play the lottery and has a contagious laugh.

What we'll miss: Keeping her students after school until they master a concept and how she imparts words of wisdom to parents.

Legacy: We will continue the "Tar Beach" tradition she brought to Lincoln School. Nothing is better on a hot day than getting sprayed with water on hot macadam.

Bill Mulcahy

Joined district as a social studies teacher at Union School and Rutherford High School in 1991, was assistant boys basketball coach from 1992-1996, head boys basketball coach from 1996-2000, boys spring track coach from 1997-1998 and the baseball coach from 1995-1996; became athletic director at Rutherford High School in 2000, assistant principal of Union School in 2002, and principal of Washington School in 2005.

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Described in one word: Principled

Known for: His long retirement speeches

What we'll miss: His dedication to the students, staff and Rutherford

Legacy: Scooterville, Discovery Day and the Thanksgiving Day parade

Margaret Nastasi

Joined district as a math and computer science teacher at RHS, advised the Future Teachers of America, partnered RHS students with elementary students for Read Across America and coding.

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Described in one word: Positive

Known for: Showing up to events or meetings on the wrong date

What we’ll miss: Her bubbly and upbeat personality each and every morning

Legacy: The passion that students display for coding

Thomas Potor

Joined district as a physical education teacher at the WASL Schools (Washington/Sylvan/Lincoln) in 1986, then made Lincoln his home; served as Athletic Hall of Fame president; was on the Profile of the Rutherford Graduate advisory board, coached many sports including volleyball, football and track, and led boys basketball team to a state sectional championship.

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Described in one word: Rutherfordian

Known for: He does it all - coach, teacher, and Hall of Fame president, (not his dancing)!

What we'll miss: His constant state of contemplation. He will reflect and then come up with an idea or a better way to handle a task. Also will miss his field days with flying chickens and dancing to September.

Legacy: The Athletic Hall of Fame

Kathleen Regan

Joined district as a teacher assistant at Lincoln School, became custodian at Union School.

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Described in one word: Dedication
Known for: Her calm and caring demeanor in all her interactions
What we'll miss: She approached every task gracefully and kindly, always willing to lend a helping hand without hesitation
Legacy: Kindness, professionalism, and dedication that will continue to inspire us for years to come

Mark Rojowski

Joined district as a chemistry and physics teacher at RHS in 1986, previously taught in Lyndhurst, advised the chemistry and theology club.

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Described in one word: Inquisitive

Known for: Professionalism and punctuality

What we’ll miss: Monday morning recaps of the Giants game

Legacy: A strong knowledge of chemistry among all his students