By Ed Birch, Special Writer
Patricia (Pat) Holliday, a 43-year veteran in education who has been employed by the South Brunswick School District has announced her retirement at the end of this school year.
Ms. Holliday taught in New York City for five years before moving to New Jersey.
For the past 38 years, she has been employed in the district as a classroom teacher at Constable School, first Staff Developer and Principal at Dayton/Deans, starting in 1990.
She has been at Greenbrook School since 1992.
She received her BA degree from Queens College of the City University of New York and her Master of Arts degree in Educational Administration from Rider College.
Pat, and her husband Rhoderick are most proud of their four children Walter, Arba, Rod, and Erica.
They also have five grandchildren Michael, Nola, Aaron, Estelle, and Avery.
The Holliday’s are also big fans of the New York Yankees, as exhibited by the picture of Derek Jeter that stares at her from her overhead bulletin board every day.
In describing her future plans, Ms. Holliday said she is looking forward to “catching her breath after her lifelong educational experience,” and spending time with their five grandchildren.
“I find myself truly blessed for living and working in South Brunswick” said Ms. Holliday in describing her work experience.
“Pat has been the conscience of South Brunswick for several decades, and her legacy is literally limitless. She is an all-time great – leadership, service, decency. We’ll miss her dearly,” said Superintendent Jerry Jellig.
Jodi Mahoney, Principal at Brooks Crossing since 2009, has been appointed as the new Principal at Greenbrook School, replacing Ms. Holiday.
Ms. Mahoney has been a member of the district since 2004, starting as Assistant Principal of grades kindergarten thru second grade, promoted to supervising grades three to five and then to Principal in 2009. She has been at Brooks Crossing for the past 10 years.
She started in Education in 1996 teaching literacy, math, and teacher development in the New York City school system.
She has authored two teaching books published by Scholastic Publishers. The books are called “Joyful Ways to teach Poetry to Young Children” and Nonfictions Writing in the Early Years.”
She received her BA degree in Psychology from Wellesley College and her Masters degrees from Columbia University and New York University.
She was born in Georgia and moved to Millburn at age 5. She is married to her husband Kevin and the proud parent of daughter Olivia (10) and son Max (8).
She is most proud of her “lunch bunch” when she gets to eat “with students in grades three thru five throughout the year.”
Mr. Jellig describes her as “just a fabulous principal and servant leader. We know that she’ll be a worthy successor to Pat Holliday.”
Bonnie Capes has been named as the new Principal next year at Crossroads South. She will replace Glenn Famous, who will be moving into the principal position at Brooks Crossing.
Ms. Capes, is a graduate of Greenbrook School, Crossroads Middle School (at that time), and South Brunswick High School.
Born in Ottawa, Canada, she has been employed in the district for the past 14 years, She has served as a Music Teacher at Constable School and Brooks Crossing School, served as interim Assistant Principal at Monmouth Junction, Dayton/Deans Elementary School and Director of Professional Development. She has served as Principal at Cambridge School for the past three years.
She is married to her husband James, a middle school music teacher in Monroe Township and is most proud of her daughter Autumn and son Spencer.
The Capes family are proud fans of the New York Mets. Her mother Lorna Hoens, is a fourth grade teacher at Brunswick Acres School.
Ms Capes received her BA degree from West Chester University and her Master’s degree from Columbia University-Teachers College.
“Bonnie was born for challenges like this. She is so gifted and having graduated from South and led one of South’s sending schools, she is the perfect person to lead Crossroads South” said Superintendent Jellig.
Glenn Famous will become principal at Brooks Crossing after three years leading Crossroads South.
Mr. Famous has served as Assistant Principal at Monmouth Junction and Indian Fields schools before moving to Cambridge School serving 19 years as its leader.
Mr. Famous is a graduate of LaSalle University in Philadelphia and an avid Philadelphia Phillies fan.
“We are thrilled to bring Glenn back to the elementary school level. He is tireless and has exceptionally high standards” said Superintendent Jellig.
