South Brunswick High SchoolRooted in Resilience, Rising with Purpose

 Mr. Peter Varela  
Principal

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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

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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.

 Mr. Emanuel Caravano
Assistant Principal for I-Pb

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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.

Ms. Yoshi Donato 
Assistant Principal for A-H & James Kimple Center

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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.

 Ms. Crystal Burnett
Science Chairperson 

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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

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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.

Mr. Knapp serves as the Athletic Director bringing a wealth of experience in education, coaching, and leadership. He earned his undergraduate degree in Education from East Stroudsburg University, followed by master’s degrees in Instructional Design and Technology from Seton Hall University and in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University.

With over 15 years of experience teaching high school social studies, he has always been committed to fostering growth both in the classroom and on the field. He has coached football, basketball, and baseball at multiple levels, developing student-athletes’ skills, discipline, and teamwork. As Athletic Director, he continues to champion excellence in academics and athletics, striving to build a culture of integrity, dedication, and school pride.

Ms. Amy Finkelstein
Student Assistance & Wellness  Supervisor and Director of Guidance
 
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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

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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
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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. Justin McCuen
James Kimple Center Chairperson

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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.

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

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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

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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. 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.

Mr. Robert Sears
Supervisor of K-12 Music

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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.

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.