WEST ORANGE, NJ — The West Orange Board of Education recognized retiring Director of Student Services, Constance Salimbeno, at the first meeting of the 2025-2026 school year on Sept. 15. Salimbeno then introduced the newly appointed director, Dr. Derek Ressa, who will officially assume his new role on Dec. 1.
Salimbeno's career in Special Services has spanned 32 years, with 21 years in West Orange. After welcoming Adam Barakat and Nefertari James as the new WOHS Board Liaisons for the 2025-2026 school year, he presented Ms. Salimbeno with flowers and thanked her for serving in West Orange.
Read Salimbeno's comments below:
"Mr. Moore, members of the school board, my esteemed colleagues, students, families, and all the Student Support Services staff,
It is with a heart full of gratitude—and a touch of bittersweet emotion—that I stand before you today. After more than 21 years serving our district and this department, the time has come for me to retire and pass the torch to Dr. Derek Ressa.
But before I do, I’d like to take a few moments to reflect and to say thank you.
I can still vividly remember my first day here, filled with the nervous energy and excitement of starting my journey as a new Learning Disability Teacher Consultant (LDTC). It’s hard to put into words how much this experience has shaped me—professionally and personally. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to serve in many roles: LDTC, Supervisor of Special Education, Principal of the Betty Maddalena Early Learning Center, and most recently, once again, as your Director of Student Support Services.
Each of these roles has brought unique challenges, joys, and opportunities—and each has been made meaningful because of the people I’ve had the privilege to work with. Dawn and Kristin, you have been more than colleagues. You’ve been trusted collaborators, thoughtful partners, and true friends. Together, we brainstormed through long days, supported each other through
tough moments, and celebrated countless successes. I’m deeply proud of what we’ve accomplished side by side—and I know that your unwavering dedication will continue to shine in the work ahead.
To our incredible students—you are the heart of everything we do. Your curiosity, resilience, and joy have been my daily inspiration. Watching you grow, learn, and achieve has been one of the greatest honors of my career. Serving as Principal of the Betty Maddalena Early Learning Center was a particularly meaningful chapter in my journey. That role brought me so much joy and remains one of my proudest accomplishments. To our families, thank you for the trust you’ve placed in us. Your partnership and commitment have been vital in creating a nurturing, inclusive, and vibrant learning community. To my fellow administrators and the entire Student Support Services team—thank you for your collaboration, your support, and the genuine spirit of teamwork that has defined our work together. I’ve grown so much because of you.
Mr. Moore, concluding my career under your leadership has been deeply meaningful. Your vision, integrity, and compassion have strengthened this district in countless ways. We are all fortunate to have you guiding us. And to our school board, thank you for your continued support and for the opportunity to serve this incredible district. It has been the privilege of a lifetime.
As I look ahead to this next chapter, I carry with me the memories, the lessons, and the friendships forged within these walls. Though I may no longer be present day-to-day, my heart will always be with West Orange. This district is more than a workplace—it is a family, for those lucky enough to be a part of it.
I wish you all continued success and fulfillment in the important work you do every day.
On that note, it is my honor and privilege to introduce your incoming Director of Student Support Services, Dr. Derek Ressa. Dr. Ressa brings a wealth of experience in special education and a true enthusiasm to join this team. It has been a pleasure to work alongside him during this transition, and I have every confidence that he will lead this department with insight, dedication, and heart.
Dr. Ressa, Dawn, Kristin, and I are committed to ensuring a smooth and thoughtful transition. I know that the important work of this department will not only continue—but thrive—in the years to come.
Thank you all—from the bottom of my heart—for being a part of this journey."
Kristin Gogerty-Fitzgerald is Supervisor of Student Support Services for K-6 and Dawn Ribeiro of 6-12. Dr. Ressa stepped to the podium to express his excitement over his new role in West Orange.
View the Sept. 15 WOBOE meeting in its entirety below. The next Board meeting will be held in the Library Media Center at West Orange High School on Oct. 27 beginning at 6:30 pm.
(L-R) Board member Eric Stevenson, BOE Liaison Adam Barakat, Board member Dr. Dia Bryant, BOE Liaison Nefertari James, Superintendent Hayden Moore, Director of Student Support Services Constance Salimbeno, Supervisor of Special Services K-6 Kristin Gogerty-Fitzgerald, Supervisor of Special Services 6-12 Dawn Ribeiro, Dr. Derek Ressa, BOE President Brian Rock, BOE member Robert Ivker, BOE VP Maria Vera, Board Secretary/Business Administrator Tonya Flowers
