NJPSA is pleased to announce that Peggy McDonald, NJDOE Assistant Commissioner, Division of Student Services, will be joining FEA as Coordinator of Special Projects on April 20, 2021. She will be taking over the role that was most recently held by Barbara Gantwerk, who retired at the end of last year.
For the past five years, Peggy has been working at the NJ Department of Education in the roles of Deputy Assistant Commissioner, Acting Assistant Commissioner and finally, Assistant Commissioner, in the Division of Student Services. Overseeing services to students who are eligible for Title 1, bilingual/ESL education, gifted education, special education and interventions and referral, Peggy has worked to engage schools in coordination of all supports and interventions through tiered systems of support. Peggy started at the department as a consultant for the Deaf and held various positions in the Office of Special Education Programs before becoming director. She was a teacher of the deaf and speech correctionist and holds certifications as a learning consultant and supervisor. She is thrilled about continuing her career at NJPSA/FEA and looks forward to working with all educational leaders to ensure that students have the opportunity to reach their goals.
Donna McInerney, Chief Executive Officer of FEA, was elated to announce that McDonald will be joining the FEA team. “We are so fortunate to bring someone as talented and experienced as Peggy to FEA,” McInerney said. “Her knowledge of the specific and unique needs of students in various populations is unparalleled in this state and will be a tremendous asset to our organization.”