Plumsted Township School District
Summer 2025

Plumsted Township School District Newsletter September 2025
Board of Education
President: Dr. Vincent Giardina
Vice President: Mrs. Kelly Morgan
Member: Mr. Kevin Dreher
Member: Mrs. Kathryn Kovacs
Member: Mr. Earl Meroney
Member: Mrs. Ashley Raywood
Member: Mr. Robert Stepnowski
Our Mission Statement
The Plumsted Township School District shall inspire all students to realize their personal potential. A rich and challenging learning environment, in partnership with the community, will develop critical thinkers, lifelong learners and productive citizens in an emerging global society.
Welcome Back Letter from the Superintendent
We welcome back Mrs. Heather DeGrandis in an expanded role!
Director of Planning, Research, and Evaluation
Mrs. DeGrandis graduated from Monmouth University with a degree in chemistry and biology where she also played lacrosse. She went on to become a research chemist in a pharmaceutical company in Eatontown NJ. This was where she found her love of teaching by training newly hired chemists. Mrs. DeGrandis completed alternate route classes to obtain a teaching position at Toms River High School South from 2004- 2014, where she taught chemistry, physics, biology, physical science and even some math. Mrs. DeGrandis was a class advisor and volunteer coach and mentored students at risk. Mrs. DeGrandis taught the GED program at the Ocean County Jail and at the Ocean County Juvenile Detention Center.
After receiving her masters degree in Educational Administration from Kean University, Mrs. DeGrandis began adjunct teaching Biology at Monmouth University from 2008-2015. Mrs. DeGrandis was an Assistant Principal at Toms River High School North from 2014-2024. She was an interim Principal, mentored aspiring administrators, was the district coordinator for social workers, mental health resources and the district crisis response team. Currently, Mrs. DeGrandis is an elected member of the Ocean County Youth Service Commission and an elected member of CIACC (Children’s Interagency Coordinating Council) for Ocean County.
When not overseeing Special Services, Curriculum and Athletics for Plumsted Township Schools, She is spending time with her daughter, Giada on a soccer field and her husband, Mark of 16 years with their two dogs.
The District Welcomes New BOE Member, Kevin Dreher!
Mr. Dreher shares why he wanted to join the Board of Education
I am excited to have the opportunity to serve the students, staff and community of Plumsted Township as the newest member of the Plumsted Township Board of Education. As a longtime resident of Plumsted Township and the proud father of four children—three of whom graduated from New Egypt High School (Class of 2018, 2020, and 2022) and one that is currently enrolled in the district, I’ve seen firsthand the strength and dedication of our school system. I remain deeply grateful for the education and opportunities my children have received here.
For many years, I’ve had the privilege of volunteering in service to the community through our local sports teams, scouting organizations and other groups. When the opportunity to serve on the Board of Education was presented, I felt called to offer my experience, perspective and unwavering commitment in service to the district’s continued success.
Professionally, I serve as a Director of Corporate Real Estate and Services at Syneos Health, a global biopharmaceutical solutions organization. Over the past 28 years, I have built deep expertise in facilities operations, safety and security, procurement and strategic planning. I manage teams across multiple sites and countries, lead optimization initiatives and oversee substantial capital and operating budgets. My leadership style centers on problem solving, clear communication and responsiveness to stakeholder needs—skills I am eager to apply in service to the board and school district.
I recognize the challenges facing the board and our community, and I am prepared to help tackle these head-on. I look forward to the opportunity to serve and support the students, staff and families of Plumsted Township.
Primary School Staff is Ready to Welcome Back the Wee Warriors!
Thank you to our Maintenance and Grounds for Getting our Buildings Ready!
New Floors at the Primary School
Primary School Gets New Floors in Preschool Classrooms
The state funded preschool program was able to use expiring funds to replace the carpet in preschool classrooms this summer. Preschoolers eat lunch in the classroom as part of the state curriculum so the floors make the classrooms easier to clean after lunch.
TOGETHER WE WIN!
Our New Message!
Together We Win was a motto from a poster designed in 1918 depicting the teamwork between a soldier, laborer, and sailor as the U.S. prepared to enter the Great War. We are embracing this motto to showcase the partnership between our staff, parents, and community. The "Together We Win" spirit was showcased with volunteers from the Venue at Longview in New Egypt who ran a school donations drive for our students. (pictured below) #TogetherWeWin!
NJ4S at Plumsted Township Schools continues to be successful
Mr. Chemris, Student Assistance Coordinator, is part of the NJ4S Video
Click on Video to see this amazing program offered to our students.
Chain of Communication
It's crucial for parents to take the first step in initiating communication with school officials. This empowers them to address their child's concerns directly, starting with the educator in charge of the class, program, or activity. We encourage this open line of communication to prevent misinformation from spreading on social media or in the community. Each situation should be communicated at the initial level, with an appeal moving on to the next level of the communication chain. The most effective form of communication is via email.
Rest assured, we are here to support you in your communication with school officials. Please use the information below to reach out.
A. Classroom, Building, Student Discipline
1. Classroom Teacher
2. Guidance Counselor or Case Manager
3. Assistant Principal or Supervisor
a. New Egypt Primary School: Mrs. Ginger White, Supervisor of Early Childhood Education - whiteg@newegypt.us - 609-758-6800 Ext. 5000
b. Dr. Gerald H. Woehr Elementary School: Mrs. Annjanette Youngblood, Interim Assistant Principal - youngblooda@newegypt.us - 609-758-6800 Ext. 3000
c. New Egypt High School 7-12: Mrs. Jennifer Kociuba, Assistant Principal - kociubaj@newegypt.us - 609-758-6800 Ext. 1401
d. New Egypt High School 7-12: Mr. Steven Fence, Assistant Principal - fences@newegypt.us - 609-758-6800 Ext. 1401
4. Principal or Director
a. New Egypt Primary School: Mrs. Jessica Drucker, Director of Pupil Services/Early Childhood Education - druckerj@newegypt.us - 609-758-6800 Ext. 5000
b. Dr. Gerald H. Woehr Elementary School: Mr. Robert Cilmi, Principal - cilmir@newegypt.us - 609-758-6800 Ext. 3000
c. New Egypt High School 7-12: Mrs. Ashley Walulak, Principal - walulaka@newegypt.us - 609-758-6800 Ext. 1401
B. On Matters Involving Curriculum Inquiries
1. Classroom Teacher
2. Assistant Principal or Supervisor
3. Principal or Director
4. Director of Planning, Research, and Evaluation: Mrs. Heather DeGrandis, degrandish@newegypt.us - 609-758-6800 Ext. 4210
C. On Matters Involving Special Education:
1. Classroom Teacher
2. Case Manager
3. Principal or Director
4. Director of Planning, Research, and Evaluation: Mrs. Heather DeGrandis, degrandish@newegypt.us - 609-758-6800 Ext. 4210
D. On Matters Involving Transportation:
1. Assistant Supervisor of Transportation: Mrs. Valerie Nuti, nutiv@millstone.k12.nj.us - 732-786-0950 Ext. 7005
2. Supervisor of Transportation: Mrs. Andrea Cece, acece@millstone.12.nj.us - 732-786-0950 Ext. 7002
3. Principal or Director
4. Business Administrator: Mr. Sean Gately, gatelys@newegypt.us - 609-758-6800 Ext. 4210
E. On Matters Involving Athletics:
1. Coach
2. Assistant Principal/ Athletic Coordinator: Mr. Steven Fence, fences@newegypt.us Ext. 1401
3. Athletic Director: Mrs. Heather DeGrandis, degrandish@newegypt.us - 609-758-6800 Ext. 1218
It's important to follow the levels outlined above when resolving all matters. Only after you have followed these steps should you bring the issue to the attention of the Superintendent of Schools.
1. Superintendent of Schools: Mr. David Ytreboe, ytreboed@newegypt.us - 609-758-6800 Ext. 4206