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Springfield Board approves 2025–26 staffing slate and accepts several resignations
Summary
The Springfield Board of Education approved its 2025–26 staff appointments — including four named hires with listed salaries and a pending background check — and accepted multiple resignations effective at the end of the school year. Approvals were subject to employee eligibility and possible state aid reductions.
President Laura Gamarekian opened the May 12 regular meeting and read the board's public‑meeting notice under the New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act: "Pursuant to the New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act, Public Law 1975, Chapter 231…" The board then considered personnel items for 2025–26.
The board approved the staff list and specific appointments recommended by the Superintendent. Appointments included Rachel Serviss as an itinerant ESL/English teacher (September 1, 2025–June 30, 2026) at $67,647 (50% charged to account 11‑240‑100‑101‑00‑10 and 50% to 11‑130‑100‑101‑00‑14); Ashley Campos as an elementary teacher at $62,647; Stephanie Messner as a school nurse at $84,647; and Lisa Vargas as a math teacher at $79,647 (hire listed as pending criminal‑history background clearance). The agenda noted all contracts are "subject to employee eligibility, and correction of errors" and may be affected by future reductions in State School Aid.
The board also accepted resignations effective at the end of the school year from Jonathan Telesca, Assistant Principal at Jonathan Dayton High School (effective June 30, 2025); Neelanjana Sarker, math teacher at FMG (effective June 30, 2025); Staci Rosenstock, instructional aide at TLS (effective May 8, 2025); and Kari Cifelli, elementary teacher at EVW (effective June 19, 2025). Superintendent Dr. Goldberg publicly commended Mr. Telesca "on his years of service."
Vice President Kristy Rubin moved the Governance Committee recommendations and Hilary Turnbull seconded. The committee items and addenda were approved by roll call: Kristy Rubin, Adriana Silva, Hilary Turnbull, Dana Kelly, Jennifer Wishna, Meredith Murphy, Laura Gamarekian and Tracey Rinaldi voted Yes; Jerry Fernandez was recorded Absent.
The personnel approvals were presented as part of routine governance business; several hires list salaries, account numbers and effective dates in the meeting packet. The board noted the appointments may be affected if State School Aid is reduced. The next regular meeting is scheduled for June 2, 2025.
