Vineland Public Schools names support staff 'unsung heroes' at board meeting

The Vineland Board of Education on April 1, 2026 publicly recognized the district’s support staff of the year, honoring employees in roles from secretaries and custodians to bus drivers and instructional aides.

Terry Galooi, director of student services, and Superintendent Dr. McCann read nominations and described each honoree’s contribution. Examples highlighted during the ceremony included Amelia Pena (secretary to district supervisors), Robert Mason (technology), Brenda Donovan (bus driver), Travis Durham (mechanic), Lillian Torres Santiago (principal secretary), Sarah Smith (instructional aide), and many others from across the district’s schools.

Galooi framed the awards as recognition of staff who ensure schools run "smoothly, safely, and effectively," calling them "unsung heroes" whose daily work supports students from arrival to dismissal. Board members and the superintendent offered public thanks and applause.

Board members praised the district’s facilities and staff reliability, noting how many support employees serve as stepping stones to other roles in education. The board asked community members to acknowledge the workforce that sustains daily school operations.

The recognitions concluded with rounds of applause and brief remarks from administrators expressing gratitude; no policy changes were proposed during the presentation.