The Essex County School Boards Association (ECSBA) held its final meeting of the 2025–2026 school year on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at West Essex Regional High School in North Caldwell. The evening served as a powerful showcase of student talent and a celebration of the technical mastery required in school board governance.

The meeting began with a warm welcome from Damion Macioci, superintendent of the West Essex Regional School District. Attendees were treated to a specialized dinner prepared by the district’s culinary arts students, providing a “high-definition” look at the successful vocational and elective programs thriving within Essex County.

ECSBA President Reginald Bledsoe (Essex County Schools of Technology) called the meeting to order, emphasizing that the strength of the county lies in its collective dedication to the 21st-century learner.

Spotlight on Excellence

The centerpiece of the evening was the recognition of Andrew Vander Horn, the 2025–2026 Essex County Teacher of the Year. Introduced by Cedar Grove High School Principal Jody Inglis, Mr. Vander Horn—a Social Studies educator—challenged the room to look beyond the status quo.

His remarks were a forward-looking call to action, focusing on how boards can navigate the integration of Artificial Intelligence, empower teachers to take educational risks, and—most importantly—ensure that data-driven decisions never lose sight of the “human element” that makes a classroom come alive.

State Leadership and Strategic Updates

The meeting provided members with a comprehensive update on the legislative and organizational landscape of New Jersey education:

  • Advocacy Update: Jonathan Pushman, NJSBA Senior Director of Advocacy, briefed the membership on the latest state-level policy shifts and advocacy priorities.
  • State Leadership: Barry A. Walker, NJSBA Vice President for County Activities, shared the vision of the 2025–2027 officer team, highlighting the importance of professionalized leadership.
  • Board of Directors: Kasey Dudley, NJSBA Board of Directors Delegate, provided a report on the Association’s recent fiscal and policy decisions.

 

  • Cedar Grove High School Principal Jody Inglis shares the story of Andrew Vander Horn’s first interview and his growth into a staple of the Cedar Grove educational community.

Honoring Milestones in Service

Robert Acerra, NJSBA County Activities Coordinator, presided over the presentation of milestone awards and individual certifications, acknowledging the significant time and expertise Essex County board members invest in their communities.

Individual Certifications:

  • New Board Member Boardsmanship: Yvonne Bouknight (Montclair), Elizabeth Callahan (South Orange-Maplewood), William Meyer (South Orange-Maplewood), and Helena Vinhas (Newark).
  • Certified Board Member: Michael Louis Derro (Belleville), Duval Graham (Glen Ridge), Nadeisha Greene (Bloomfield), Parul Aneja Khemka (Livingston), and Medinah E. Muhammad (East Orange).
  • Master Board Member: Dania Martinez (Roseville Charter).
  • Certified Board Leader: Tafshier Cosby (TEAM Academy) and Kasey Dudley (Bloomfield).

Years of Service Milestones:

  • 20 Years of Dedicated Service: Salvatore Carnovale & Adrianne Davis (Essex County Schools of Technology) and Maryadele Wojtowicz (West Essex Regional).

 

Leadership Elections

The membership concluded its reorganization business by electing representatives to the NJSBA Board of Directors for the 2026–2029 term. Kasey Dudley was re-elected as delegate, and Parul Aneja Khemka (Livingston) was elected as alternate. Robert Acerra administered the Oath of Office, officially installing the leaders for their new terms.

President Reginald Bledsoe closed the meeting by thanking the West Essex community and the culinary students for their hospitality, wishing all districts a strong and successful conclusion to the academic year.

20 Years of Dedicated Service: Maryadele Wojtowicz (West Essex Regional) is honored for two decades of service. (L-R): Kasey Dudley, Parul Khemka, Medinah E. Muhammad, Wojtowicz, Reginald Bledsoe, Tafshier Cosby, and Barry A. Walker. (Not pictured: Salvatore Carnovale & Adrianne Davis).

New Board Member Boardsmanship: The ECSBA Executive Committee congratulates William Meyer (South Orange-Maplewood), Elizabeth Callahan (South Orange-Maplewood), and Helena Vinhas (Newark) (pictured on screen). (L-R): Parul Khemka, Medinah E. Muhammad, Meyer, Callahan, Reginald Bledsoe, Tafshier Cosby, Kasey Dudley, and Barry A. Walker.

Certified Board Member Certification: (L-R): Kasey Dudley, Parul Khemka, Medinah E. Muhammad, Reginald Bledsoe, Tafshier Cosby, Michael Louis Derro, Duval Graham, Nadeisha Greene, and Barry A. Walker.

Certified Board Leader Certification: (L-R): Parul Khemka, Medinah E. Muhammad, Kasey Dudley, Tafshier Cosby, Reginald Bledsoe, and Barry A. Walker.