(above) Mr. Derek Ressa, the new Director of Special Services for Warren Township Schools.
Derek Ressa Appointed as the New Director of Special Services
Mr. Derek Ressa was appointed as the new Director of Special Services for Warren Township Schools, effective July 1, 2019. Currently, Ressa serves as the Director of Special Services for Green Brook Township Public Schools, a position he has held since 2015. Prior to Green Brook, Ressa was the Director of Special Services and School Psychologist in the South Bound Brook Public School system from 2011 to 2015 and the School Psychologist in the Bernards Township Public School system from 2004 through 2011.
Ressa is a motivated professional who continues to increase his professional knowledge; he is currently working towards his Doctorate in Educational Leadership at Rider University and his certification as a Chief School Administrator.
“Mr. Ressa’s dedication to meeting the academic, social, and emotional needs of all children makes him a perfect fit for the Warren Township Schools and our whole child focus,” states Dr. Matthew Mingle, superintendent. “I look forward to having Mr. Ressa join our team to continue the fine work Mrs. Hengemuhle has been doing for the past several years.”
On June 30, 2019, Warren Township Schools will say farewell to the current Director of Special Services, Mrs. Candida Hengemuhle as she has submitted her retirement from her position with the district. Hengemuhle has been with Warren Township Schools since July of 2014. In her letter of retirement, Hengemuhle stated, “I will always cherish my service to the Warren Township Schools and the unwavering support from the district level leaders, my colleagues and, the Board of Education. In the famous words of Winnie the Pooh, ‘how lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.’”
Ressa is looking forward to his new position, “I’m am excited to be joining Warren Township Schools as the Director of Special Services because of the wonderful academic programs and services that exist in Warren Township Schools, as well as the opportunity to make a positive impact in the school community. Having grown up nearby in Green Brook, and working in various school districts in Somerset County for 15 years, I’ve known of Warren Township Schools’ excellent reputation and I am proud to become a part of the district.”
The district’s mission is to provide, through a safe, nurturing yet challenging environment, all students with an outstanding education that engages students and fosters academic excellence, healthy social and emotional development, and a lifelong passion for learning. Ressa’s educational philosophy centers around serving the whole child. “In order for students to achieve their potential, schools need to partner with families to take a comprehensive approach to a child’s learning process in order to meet their comprehensive academic, emotional, and social needs,” said Ressa
Ressa was born and raised in NJ and currently resides in Annandale. Ressa enjoys sports, learning, being involved with his church and supporting his children in their activities. The staff and administration of Warren Township Schools are looking forward to welcoming Ressa into the district.
Submitted by Shannon Regan
Photo by Warren Township Schools
