The Kinnelon school district runs smoothly every day thanks to a large team of staff. While many key players stand in front of a class every day, many of those are rarely in the spotlight. From central offices to school buildings, these employees are responsible for essential tasks to keep the district running.

Frank Verducci, Payroll Supervisor

Behind the scenes in the Kinnelon Board of Education, Payroll Supervisor Frank Verducci plays a critical role in ensuring that almost 400 district employees are paid correctly and on time. Verducci’s responsibilities begin the instant an employee is hired. He manages the onboarding process, making sure the staff is properly entered into the payroll system and enrolled in health benefits and pension plans. He also processes overtime payments, stipends for coaches and club advisers, and any other additional work for employees beyond their regular duties.

A typical workday involves reviewing vouchers, preparing spreadsheets, monitoring data, and responding to requests from state agencies. Some days are more intense than others. “The most critical times are when payroll is being processed, which is typically three days before payday, and during quarterly deadlines,” he said.

While his work may not be visible to students, its impact is significant. “I make sure that over 375 employees get paid accurately. That’s why I have to take the job seriously and create a smooth process without mistakes,” he said.

Verducci also prioritizes helping employees understand their pay and benefits. Many contact him with questions about pay stubs, insu

rance policies, and district payment procedures. He takes pride in responding quickly, even outside of normal business hours. 

Despite the pressure, Verducci knows his work supports the entire district. “I am most proud when payday arrives, and there are no issues.”

Verducci hopes students understand that every job, even those behind the scenes, requires responsibility and precision. His work ensures that those who support students are supported themselves, leading to widespread success.

Ryan Carbone, Head Custodian

Head Custodian Ryan Carbone plays a critical role in keeping the school operational. While many students associate custodians with cleaning, Carbone’s responsibilities extend beyond that. 

”A head custodian is a working supervisor responsible for the operational readiness, cleanliness, and safety of a school building and its surrounding grounds,” Carbone said. He serves as a connection between administration and custodial staff, directing assignments and keeping each school day running smoothly.

Throughout the day, Carbone oversees heating and cooling systems, repairs furniture, replaces air filters, prepares spaces for after-school events, and does everything in between. He also helps manage snow and ice removal during the winter to keep the parking lot and entrances safe. Despite the repetitive nature of many responsibilities, Carbone says unpredictability is part of what makes the job worthwhile. “There is never a typical day. This is why I love the job and everything that’s involved,” he said.

Beyond maintenance, he plays an important role in preserving student health. “Custodians are the building’s first line of defense against outbreaks. It’s our job to sanitize the surfaces people constantly touch to reduce the spread of illness.”

The job is also physically demanding, with custodians walking multiple miles in each shift, often without notice. Even though most of his work is behind the scenes, he values the respect students show him. “A lot of students call me by my name, give a smile or gesture acknowledging our presence. Being treated as an equal member of the team rather than ‘the help’ improves our morale.”

Additionally, Carbone finds pride in his work through the students and faculty. “Seeing everyone enjoy a safe, clean, and enjoyable environment makes it worthwhile,” he said.

“If you don’t notice us, it usually means we’re doing a perfect job.”

Gregory Zaleski, District Supervisor of Student Services

As Kinnelon’s District Supervisor of Student Services, Gregory Zaleski oversees many of the programs that are designed to support students academically, emotionally, and physically.

“In my position, I am responsible for special education, special services, nursing, related services, and guidance for the district,” he said.

The position oversees a wide network of staff members who work directly with students. This includes the Child Study Team: school psychologists, social workers, Learning Disabilities Teaching Consultants, as well as speech therapists, occupational therapists, counselors, nurses, special education teachers, and paraprofessionals.

The job also involves managing multiple systems, which allows the various departments to operate. “These responsibilities include staffing, budgeting, programming, state reporting, and legalities for all of the previously mentioned positions,” he said.

Much of the work focuses on ensuring students who need additional support receive it through IEP or 504 plans. While Zaleski does not write the plans himself, he oversees the staff that creates them, making sure the district has the resources needed to accommodate all students.

”We make sure that we are providing what each student requires through their IEP or 504,” he said. “These documents are updated annually, at least, to meet the needs of our students.”

A typical day for Zaleski is fast-paced and unpredictable. He said his day is “very busy. Lots of emails and phone calls with staff and parents, meetings with families, students, administrators, and reviewing paperwork.”

One of the most common misconceptions about Zaleski’s job is that he is on the Child Study Team. “I am not. I supervise the Child Study.”

Despite the demanding schedule, his focus remains clear: supporting the entire district. “My role is to help and support the students and staff of the Kinnelon School District and to be a resource whenever someone needs guidance or assistance.”

Lauren Thomas, Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment

As Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, Lauren Thomas plays a key role in deciding what is taught across the district. Thomas describes her position as a member of the academic leadership team, focused on maintaining strong educational standards. “My job entails ensuring that what is taught in our schools, how it is taught, and how learning is measured are aligned, rigorous, and effective,” she said. She works to ensure that the district’s curriculum aligns with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards while supporting teachers.

A large part of her work involves planning new programs for students. One recent example was the addition of new electives at the high school. After surveying middle and high school students last year, Thomas helped to introduce new classes exploring theatre, woodshop, teaching, engineering, and more. Similarly, a recent survey showed strong interest in culinary arts, which the district plans to establish in the coming school year.

In addition to program development, Thomas ensures that the state-mandated topics are included in daily learning.

These requirements include instruction about the Holocaust, African American history, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and disability awareness. 

Working from the district’s central office, Thomas collaborates closely with Superintendent David Mango, department chairs, and other administrators to create new initiatives and support students and teachers. “Every day is different, and that’s what I love about it.”

Although much of her work occurs outside of the classroom, Thomas says the impact is clear in student success. “I would say the most rewarding part of my job is when I know that my decision has made a direct impact on students,” she said. “Even though I’m not always in the classroom, I care deeply about student success and work to ensure every student has the best experience possible in Kinnelon.”

Sharon Woodruff, Transportation Supervisor/Coordinator

As Transportation Supervisor/Coordinator, Sharon Woodruff manages a system that students often take for granted, but rely on daily. Drivers begin each morning by inspecting their causes and completing any state-required reports, while Woodruff oversees the entire process. In fact, if a driver is absent, she doesn’t just rearrange the schedule; she often gets behind the wheel herself. 

“I have to be sure all the drivers arrive, and all routes are covered and begin on time.”

There is never a “typical” day at work, Woodruff said. Her responsibilities range from managing routes and responding to calls to completing regular reports and contracts for the county and state. “There are always requests, complaints, and solutions to be made in a day.”

For Woodruff, unexpected challenges are content. “Someone needs to be at the radio at all times in case of an emergency, breakdown, or any other issue that may come up,” she said. The weather can also complicate her process further. During snow days or delayed openings, Woodruff coordinates with drivers to prepare buses. “I call the drivers to come in. They must clear the snow off the top of the buses and move them.”

Despite the fast pace, safety is always the priority for Woodruff. Under her supervision, drivers participate in mandatory training twice a year on topics like student management, emergency procedures, and defensive driving. “We ensure student safety by properly training our drivers. All buses are also equipped with cameras to protect everyone on them.”

Woodruff noted that students play one of the most important roles in bus safety. “Students can make a driver’s job easier if they follow instructions and stay seated with their seatbelts on,” she said, adding that distractions can force a driver to stop and address erratic behavior. 

Regardless, for Woodruff, the challenges are worth the reward. “The most rewarding part of my job is the opportunity to have a positive impact on our students’ lives,” she said. “The ability to build a reliable team and know that our students are safe is the most fulfilling aspect of my job.”