The West Essex Regional School District is excited to welcome back all students and staff for the 2024-25 school year! This summer has been filled with diligent preparations, including strategic staff hiring, which will set the stage for a successful year ahead. Therefore, we are pleased to announce the following changes within our administrative team, effective for the upcoming school year.
After 9 years as West Essex High School Principal, Mr. Caesar Diliberto has accepted a new position as our Director of Curriculum and Instruction. Mr. Diliberto completed his undergraduate degree at West Virginia University. After 9 years in the private sector, he returned to Caldwell University for a teaching certification and in 2008 took his first teaching position at West Essex Regional High School as an English teacher. Since then, Mr. Diliberto has served as a Teacher, Dean of Students, Assistant Principal, Interim Supervisor of English, and Principal of West Essex Regional High School. Now, Mr. Diliberto is taking on this new challenge as Director of Curriculum and Instruction.
As Principal, Mr. Diliberto implemented impactful programs including the peer leader program WEuKNIGHT, Esports, and the AP Capstone Diploma Program. He initiated recognition programs and events such as Sustainable Jersey for Schools - Bronze Certification, ADL: No Place for Hate - Gold Star Recognition, and the now annual Academic Achievement & Induction Day.
Other than being an educator, Mr. Diliberto is an avid reader, frequently returning to his sci-fi roots, a drummer, an amateur arborist, a lifelong learner, and a family man. Mr. Diliberto is proud of his accomplishments in all of his roles in the district and eagerly anticipates more future success at the greatest school district in New Jersey.
Mr. Timothy Walsh has become our new Director of Athletics, and Supervisor of Health & Physical Education. Mr. Walsh began teaching Special Education and Mathematics eleven years ago at Cherokee High School in Marlton, NJ; however, he has spent the last nine years in the West Essex Regional School District as a coach of numerous sports, including Girls Volleyball, Boys Basketball, and Baseball, in addition to serving as a class advisor.
Mr. Walsh initiated the Give Kids the World Senior Service Trip at West Essex Regional High School, which is a life-changing experience for not only the families at the village, but also for our students. He has served on several school committees including the School Culture and Climate Committee and the School Improvement Panel. It is with the same passion and commitment that he steps into the role of Athletic Director, eager to foster an environment that nurtures both athletic achievement and academic success.
Growing up in a household where his father served as a Vice Principal and then Athletic Director, Mr. Walsh was inspired by the dedication, leadership and passion he brought to the role. Watching his father excel in fostering a positive and thriving athletic and academic community made a huge impact on him and fueled his desire to follow in his father’s footsteps.
Mr. Walsh is committed to building on the rich traditions and accomplishments of West Essex, and will encourage our student-athletes to not only to excel on the field but also to thrive in the classroom, embodying the true essence of a well-rounded education.
After five years as Assistant Principal of West Essex High School, Dr. Kimberly Westervelt is stepping into the role of High School Principal. Dr. Westervelt is an accomplished educator with over 20 years of experience. She began her career at John F. Kennedy High School in Paterson, NJ as an English teacher with the belief that education is the great equalizer. After eight successful years in the classroom, Dr. Westervelt transitioned to the role of English Language Arts (ELA) Supervisor at Eastside High School where she helped to significantly improve student achievement scores in ELA. A few years later, Dr. Westervelt joined Montclair High School as an assistant principal where she oversaw the English department and a team of over 500 students. In 2019, Dr. Westervelt found her home at West Essex Regional High School where she served as an assistant principal. During this time, she has been committed to academic achievement and improving the school’s culture and climate.
Dr. Westervelt has always valued service and considers her profession a calling. Through hard work and commitment she earned a Doctor of Education degree in Educational Leadership from Liberty University, a Master of Arts degree in Administration and Supervision from Montclair State University, and Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in English and Secondary Education from The College of New Jersey.
Dr. Westervelt’s core values are grounded in a growth mindset where she believes all students can learn and thrive. Her expectations are always high and she believes successful results are produced in environments that encourage communication, collaboration, and accountability.
On a personal note, Dr. Westervelt’s greatest accomplishment is raising her two children (ages 12 and 10) with her husband, Kyle. She cherishes every moment spent with her family, recognizing them as essential to her personal growth and fulfillment beyond her notable achievements in the field of education.
As Dr. Westervelt steps into her new role as High School Principal, Ms. Amanda Fernicola becomes the new High School Assistant Principal. Ms. Fernicola started her career at West Essex Regional High School in 2014 as a Social Studies teacher, teaching all levels, and transitioned to the WE Connect program in 2019, where she has been the lead teacher.
Throughout her time at West Essex, Ms. Fernicola has collaborated on numerous school committees, including the School Culture and Climate Committee and the Strategic Planning Team. Additionally, she has served as a class advisor, Key Club advisor and the District ACT/SAT Test Coordinator. Her involvement over the past 10 years at West Essex extends to various extracurricular activities both in athletics and the arts programs.
Ms. Fernicola has been instrumental in initiatives such as the school-wide February Compliment Project to promote positive climate and culture and has established a district-wide school apparel store, collections for the local food pantry, and holiday toy donations. Her dedication and contributions were recognized when she received the 2022-2023 Governor’s Educator of the Year award.
Ms. Fernicola is looking forward to continuing her journey at West Essex, contributing to the success of our students and community, and bringing her passion for education, innovative strategies, and strong work ethic to her new role as Assistant Principal.
Lastly, West Essex welcomes Mr. Jeffrey Martin as the new Middle School Assistant Principal. Mr. Martin is familiar with our school district, having served as the West Essex Regional High School Head Tennis Coach for the past four seasons.
Mr. Martin holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Bloomfield College and a Master of Arts degree in Educational Leadership from Montclair State University. For the last decade Mr. Martin has served as a dedicated 6th Grade Mathematics Teacher at Spring Garden Elementary School within the Nutley Public Schools. In addition, Mr. Martin has served as a club and student council advisor, building manager for tutoring, a member of the School Safety Team, and coordinator of a school-wide social emotional learning (SEL) initiative.
Throughout his career, Mr. Martin was highly involved in coaching sports, serving as a Varsity Football Coach at Nutley High School and the Varsity Tennis Coach at West Essex Regional High School. Mr. Martin has always had a passion for education and is very excited to make a positive impact at West Essex Middle School.
Our district is thrilled to welcome these administrators to their new roles for the 2024-2025 school year, and eagerly anticipates the opportunity for our students to connect with them.