School Leadership - High School

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School Leadership

Administrators

Mr. Peter Varela Principal 732.329.4044 x5202	Mr. Peter Varela earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Economics from the State University of New York, College at Oneonta. In addition, he holds a Master of Science degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from Mercy College, New York and a second Master's degree in Secondary Education from the City University of New York, Brooklyn College. Mr. Varela has been an administrator in South Brunswick since February 2003 and has served as Principal, Assistant Principal for Academic Leadership, Grade-level Assistant Principal, and Supervisor. He expects students to reach their full potential through academic rigor and exposure to co-curricular activities that will help them reach and accomplish their many goals. Mr. Varela is passionate about teaching and learning and wants our students to be exposed to master teachers and support staff. When he is not at the high school, Mr. Varela enjoys spending quality time with his wife and two sons.
Mr. Jeffrey Rumen Assistant Principal of Academic Leadership 732.329.4044 x5203	Mr. Rumen joined the administrative team as the Assistant Principal of Academic Leadership at SBHS in 2023 after teaching in the math department for the previous 14 years. He began his teaching career as a student teacher at SBHS and then taught briefly in Colonia High School. Mr. Rumen earned a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics from Rutgers University, a Masters in Education from Rutgers University, and a Masters in Education: Supervision & Administration from the University of Phoenix. Outside of school, Mr. Rumen is an active Scouter and enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons.
Ms. Nancy Ducko-Sweeney Assistant Principal for Pc-Z 732.329.4044 x5209	Mrs. Ducko-Sweeney began teaching Special Education in 1994. She came to SBHS in September of 1996 as a Special Education teacher and never left! Mrs. Ducko-Sweeney earned her undergraduate degree at Millersville University and her Masters of Educational Leadership degree, with a focus in Urban Schools, at Jersey City University. She earned her Supervisor and Principal certifications in 2006. During her time at SBHS, Mrs. Ducko-Sweeney has coached girls soccer and lacrosse, was an advisor to the VTN club, and was the director of the Summer Mentoring program for students with social, emotional, and/or behavioral needs. In May of 2018, she was acknowledged as SBHS’s Educator of the Year, and she became a Dean of Students at SBHS in January of 2018. She is most proud of her involvement in the school’s and district’s efforts to promote professional development that highlights equity and inclusion, especially through differentiation and personalized learning.
Mr. Emanuel Caravano Assistant Principal for I-Pb 732.329.4044 x5218	Mr. Caravano earned his Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Human Services Counseling from Montclair State University. He then went on to complete his Masters in Educational Leadership from The College of New Jersey. Mr. Caravano obtained his certification in Supervision and Administration through the NJ EXCEL program and has been an administrator in South Brunswick since 2012. During his time at South Brunswick High School he has partnered with faculty, staff, parents and students to ensure that everyone is vested in the success of our students during their educational journey. Each day he is committed to advocate and help develop our students and to support the faculty and staff of SBHS. Mr. Caravano is also an avid runner and enjoys spending time with his family.
Mrs. Yoshi Donato Assistant Principal for A-H & James Kimple Center 732.329.4044 x5240	Ms. Yoshi Donato earned a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in English Language and Literature from the University of Maryland-College Park. She holds a Master's in the Art of Teaching from Marygrove College, Detroit as well as a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Scranton, Pennsylvania. Additionally, she has completed 60 credit hours in a Doctoral program with Walden University. Before coming to South Brunswick in 2002, she worked as an English teacher in her hometown of Asbury Park. Prior to her appointment as Assistant Principal in 2016, she worked as an English teacher, Dean of Students, Advisor of Unlimited Few, a Peer Advisor at SBHS and Advisor to Step Up Club. Ms. Donato also holds the distinction of being a (retired) veteran of the United States Army in which she obtained the rank of Master Sergeant during her 20 year service to our country. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, daughter Jayna and contributing to community service endeavors with Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated.

Leadership Team

Mr. Daniel Brack Supervisor of English 732.329.4044 x5230	Mr. Brack is a dedicated and passionate educator who is excited to join the South Brunswick School District as the English Supervisor at the high school. He holds a Bachelor's degree in English with a K-12 teaching certification from Kean University, as well as a Master's degree in Educational Leadership from Saint Peter's University in Jersey City. Mr. Brack began his teaching career in 2009 in the Sayreville Public School District, where he taught English/Language Arts. Four years later, he transitioned to the West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District, where he has taught for the past 11 years, primarily in Advanced Placement Language and Composition. He now looks forward to supporting teachers in delivering an enriching English/Language Arts curriculum to the students of South Brunswick.
Ms. Crystal Burnett Science Chairperson 732.329.4044 x3201	Mrs. Crystal Burnett has been teaching at SBHS in 2004 and has also taught in our Summer Institute program for 10 years. She has served as the science chairperson since 2016. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from The University of Texas. Prior to coming to South Brunswick she worked as a Laboratory Scientist. She looks forward to helping her colleagues inspire the next generation of scientists.
Mr. Thomas Decker Supervisor of World Language 732.329.4044 x5201	Mr. Decker started in South Brunswick school district in September of 2006 in the role of K-12 Supervisor of World Language. In 2010, Mr. Decker was assigned the additional role of Supervisor of ELL. He has worked with both departments since 2010. In 2014 Mr. Decker was appointed the Head of School for the South Brunswick Summer Institute, a position he held for the past 7 years. Mr. Decker earned his B.A. from Rutgers University and his M.A. in Administration and Supervision from Georgian Court University. Mr. Decker believes in high expectations and outcomes and the focus and persistence to achieve them- all students have the capacity to achieve.
Ms. Amy Finkelstein Student Assistance & Wellness Supervisor and Director of Guidance 732.329.4044 x5220	Mrs. Finkelstein joined the staff of South Brunswick School District in 2002. She has served as a counselor in the James Kimple Center for Alternative Education, a Child Study Team Social Worker at Indian Fields/Dayton, a School Counselor at Constable, and now as Supervisor of Student Assistance and Wellness for the district. She holds a BA in Psychology and Spanish from the University of Michigan, a Masters in Social Work from the University of Chicago, and certificates in Clinical Supervision from Rutgers University. Mrs. Finkelstein believes that mental and physical wellness are key to academic and future success.
Mr. John Harding Health and PE Department Chairperson 732.329.4044 x3208	Mr. Harding has been an educator in South Brunswick Schools since September of 1993. He has served as a health and physical education teacher and department chairperson before taking his current role as a K-12 Supervisor. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree at Montclair State College in Health and Physical Education and a Masters of Education at The College of New Jersey. His supervisor’s certificate was obtained through Rutgers University. Mr. Harding spent 18 years as the Head boy’s and girl’s swim coach at the High School, a program that he started from scratch. He also worked for many years in the Peer Leadership Program where he spent time as a Program Coordinator and Peer Teacher. Mr. Harding believes in educating the whole student; physically, mentally and emotionally.
Mr. Douglas Hunt Dean of Students Pc-Z 732.329.4044 x5204	Mr. Hunt has been an educator in South Brunswick Schools since September of 2003 and has been working in education since 1997. He has served as a health and physical education teacher, football coach, strength/conditioning coach and driver's education coordinator before taking his current role as Dean of Students in 2017. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree at Trenton State College in Health and Physical Education. Mr. Hunt has also worked on the elementary levels at Constable, Cambridge, Indian Fields and Monmouth Junction Schools. Mr. Hunt is also a member of medical emergency response team that also trains staff in first aid and CPR/AED instruction.
Mr. Jeff Johnson Director of Athletics 732.329.4044 x5233	Mr. Jeff Johnson has been a history teacher at South Brunswick High School since 2002 and served as Co-Chair of the History Department since 2020. Currently, he is the Head Girls Basketball Coach, a position he has held since 2012. In the past he has coached Football, Volleyball and ran a club focused on Stocks and Investing. He received his undergraduate degree in Political Science and Marketing from Wagner College, then later his Master’s in Secondary Education also from Wagner College. In 2021 he completed a Masters Degree in School Leadership from Rowan University. Besides running basketball camps in the summer through the SB Community Education Program, he is the manager at the local swim club where his two sons participate on the swim team. Throughout the fall and spring, he volunteers as a baseball and football coach for both of his sons’ teams. His wife is also a middle school English teacher in the Pennsauken School District and as a family they recently welcomed our new puppy named Cooper into their home. Mr. Johnson’s goal is to create an environment that allows every student to maximize their potential. A recent focus of his has been the impact of Covid on the “norms” of the classroom and how to use the best practices that were created during that remote/hybrid time period meshed with what had been working prior to going remote in 2020.
Ms. Kristin Laskin Supervisor of 9-12 Business, Family and Consumer Science, Art and 6-12 Technology 732.329.4044 x3229	Ms. Kristin Laskin has been a Business Education teacher at South Brunswick High School since September 2001 and the Supervisor of the Applied/Fine Arts & Technology Education departments since September 2006. Before moving to education, she worked in the corporate world as an Inventory Control Manager for the RJC Corporation; in Boston and later in Marketing and Supply Chain Management for Phillips-Van Heusen in Bridgewater, NJ. Ms. Laskin earned an Associate of Arts degree in Hospitality Management from Johnson & Wales University, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Seton Hall University, and a Master of Arts from the School of Education in Curriculum, Instruction & Supervision from Rider University. Over the years, Ms. Laskin has created the “Pathways to Business” dual credit college program after being awarded the Tech Prep Grant in 2006, reinstated the South Brunswick Chapter of Future Business Leaders of America in 2002, started the AP Economics program in 2004, and has also been an advisor to both FBLA and Fed Challenge Competitive teams.
Mr. Justin McCuen James Kimple Center Chairperson 732.329.4044 x2205	Mr. McCuen began as a Social Studies Teacher at SBHS in 2005 after graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in History from Arcadia University. He has been teaching Social Studies in the James Kimple Center for Alternative Education for the past 17 years where he has served as Chairperson for the last 7 years. In addition Mr. McCuen has been an Assistant Boys Basketball Coach during his tenure at SBHS.
Dr. Jack Medina Supervisor of Social Studies 732.329.4044 x3940	Dr. Jack Medina obtained an undergraduate degree in history from The College of New Jersey and spent an additional year earning a Master of Arts in Teaching Social Studies. Thereafter, he was fortunate to serve students as a 7th and 8th grade social studies teacher at Crossroads North Middle School for over 10 years. Within the school community, Dr. Medina is passionate about partnering with staff members, parents/guardians, and students to help kids find opportunities for success in and out of the classroom. During the course of his career, Dr. Medina obtained a doctorate in teacher leadership from Rutgers University and an administrative certificate from NJExcel. He has also served in various extracurricular roles as a track coach, student council advisor, debate and mock trial camp instructor, and sports club facilitator, while facilitating professional development in educational technology and social-emotional learning. At the end of 2020, Dr. Medina became the Dean of Students at Crossroads North, and during the 2022-2023 school year, he transitioned to begin serving as the Language Arts and Social Studies Supervisor at Crossroads North and South Middle Schools. As of the Fall 2024, Dr. Medina is also excited to join the high school social studies team, and is grateful for all opportunities within the district to make a difference in students’ lives.
Ms. Lauren Morris Activities Coordinator 732.329.4044 x3316	Mrs. Lauren Morris began her teaching career at South Brunswick High School in 2002 as a student teacher, and never left. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Social Studies from Rider University, and she holds a Masters in Inclusion Education from New England University. Prior to her current role as Activities Coordinator, Mrs. Morris taught Social Studies, and was also the Student Council Advisor for 9 years. She loves working with students and helping them participate in the many traditions of SBHS while also providing opportunities for them to show their leadership skills. You can often find her fully decked out for our many spirit days, tutu and all. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, daughters Maggie and Lilly, reading, exercising and traveling.
Dr. Justin Negraval Social Studies Department Co-Chairperson 732.329.4044 x3288	Dr. Negraval has been a member of the Social Studies Department since 2005. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in History, a Master’s in Social Studies Education, and a Doctorate in Education, Culture, and Society from Rutgers University. He is also a lecturer at the Rutgers’ Graduate School of Education. Dr. Negraval’s research interests include academic tracking, educational theory, civic education, and the role of school in society. He looks forward to working with his colleagues, our students, and the greater community, in supporting our premier social studies program at SBHS.
Mr. Russell Pellegrini Supervisor of Mathematics 732.329.4044x 3241	Russell Pellegrini graduated from Georgia Institute of Technology with a degree in Applied Mathematics. He completed his masters degree from the University of Leeds and a second masters from Rowan University. Prior to working at South Brunswick he worked at Rancocas Valley Regional High School where he was the Math Department Chair. In addition, he taught for 12 years in China, including as the Head of the Math and Physics Department at a college. Outside of school, he enjoys being outside hiking, climbing, and fishing with his wife and two sons.
Dr. Aparna Rajagopal Supervisor of Science 732.329.4044x 3201	Dr. Aparna Rajagopal earned her Bachelor and Master of Science degree in Physics from the University of Pune, India. She conducted research at the Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society in Berlin for her Ph.D thesis in Physics. Subsequently, she held postdoctoral research positions at Princeton University, Faculté Universitaire Notre-Dame de la paix- Namur in Belgium and Rutgers University. She began her second career in secondary education in 2002 as a physics teacher at South Brunswick High School. There, she served as Chair of the Science Department for three years and the Assistant Principal for Academic Leadership, before transitioning to her current role as STEM Supervisor for grades 6-12. Dr. Rajagopal is passionate about providing ALL students with access to the kind of deep, rich teaching that leads to foundational knowledge and skills of mathematical and scientific thinking. Her belief is that good STEM education teaches mathematics, science, engineering and technology in ways that allow students to develop creativity, reasoning, and problem-solving skills essential to navigate complex problems that incorporate all disciplines.
Mr. Steven Schiff Computer Science Department Chairperson	Mr. Steven Schiff earned a Bachelors of Science in Environmental Business Economics from Rutgers University. Additionally, Mr. Schiff holds a Master’s degree in Educational Theory and Practice from Arkansas State University as well as a Master’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Illinois. Mr. Schiff started teaching at South Brunswick High School in 2008. During his tenure, he created the Mobile Development and Virtual Reality courses. He also designed the Computer Science (CS) Academy structure, CS parent council, and leads the creation of new CS content. He also works with students on special projects, and is always looking to involve parents and community stakeholders wherever possible.
Mrs. Shauna Schwartz English Department Chairperson 732.329.4044 x3223	Ms. Schwartz began working as an English teacher at South Brunswick High School in 2003 after completing her student teaching at the high school. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature from Rutgers University and a Master of Education in English Education from Rutgers University, the Graduate School of Education, where she also earned her leadership and supervision certification. Ms. Schwartz is also the coordinator of the high school's Peer Leadership program, as well as an advisor for the English Honor Society. Ms. Schwartz became Chair of the English department in 2023, teaching both AP English Literature and Honors English while overseeing the English department on a daily basis.
Mr. Robert Sears Supervisor of K-12 Music 732.329.4633 x3846	Mr. Robert Sears earned his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from The College of New Jersey with a concentration in instrumental music (Trumpet) and started his teaching career here in South Brunswick teaching music at Crossroads Middle School. During this time he completed a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership obtaining both Supervisor and Principal certifications. He then went on to serve as the K-12 Supervisor of Visual, Performing, and Practical Arts for the Vernon Township Schools in Sussex County, NJ. In 2014, Mr. Sears returned to the South Brunswick School District as the K-12 Supervisor of Music where he is privileged to lead and support our K-12 music program that has consistently been designated as one of the Best Communities For Music Education by the NAMM Foundation.
Mrs. Keisha Spencer Dean of Students A-H 732.329.4044 x5235	Mrs. Spencer began her teaching career at South Brunswick High School in 2002 as a Special Education and Social Studies teacher. She holds an undergraduate degree from Cedar Crest College and a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from Kean University. Currently, she is working towards completing her Doctorate in Educational Leadership. Throughout her time at SBHS, Mrs. Spencer has been actively engaged in student life, serving as an advisor for clubs like Black Onyx, Future Business Leaders of America, and Junior Statesmen of America. She has played a key role in facilitating meetings, organizing events, and cultivating leadership skills among students. Mrs. Spencer’s leadership abilities, creativity, and passion for education are evident in her recent transition to Dean of Students, where she is focused on furthering student success and well-being. She is a strong advocate for building meaningful relationships within the school community, enhancing student learning, and is deeply committed to mentoring students and ensuring that education is inclusive, equitable, and tailored to meet the diverse needs of all learners.
Mrs. Dominique Talbot Supervisor of Special Education 732.329.4044 x5227	Mrs. Dominique Talbot earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from The College of New Jersey and a Master’s degree in Special Education from The College of New Jersey. She also received a Post Master’s in Educational Leadership from The College of New Jersey. Mrs. Talbot's career in education began in 2011 within the South Brunswick School District as a general education teacher before teaching special education for several years within the district. In 2017, Mrs. Talbot had the opportunity to serve the district as the interim supervisor of special education at South Brunswick High School. She then went on to serve the Hopewell Valley Regional School District as the district’s PreK-12 supervisor of special education before returning home to South Brunswick in 2019 as the shared assistant principal of Constable Elementary School and Monmouth Junction Elementary School. She is a dedicated professional who looks forward to fostering the academic, social, and emotional growth of every student as the Supervisor of Special Education at South Brunswick High School.