About the Board

  • The BOE seeks to develop an effective Communications Plan which fosters an environment that invites all stakeholders to participate in achieving the District’s mission, goals, and educational priorities.

    The Board of Education e-mail system will enable you to communicate directly to all nine elected members and the Superintendent of Schools.

    In accordance with BOE procedure, the Board shall refer all issues to the Superintendent who shall investigate your concerns. The Superintendent shall expeditiously report the issue, findings, and resolution to the full Board.

    Your thoughts are important to us, and we appreciate your time and effort in the pursuit of improved communication and educational betterment.

    Thank you,
    Jefferson Township Board of Education

    Please see the brochures below for a quick reference to the Board's role and responsibilities:
    A Guide to Board Meetings in NJ
    NJSBA: School Governance
Meet the Board

Meet the Board

Stacey Poulas

Stacey Poulas, President
3 Year Term: 2024-2026
Email: SPoulas@jefftwp.org

Stacey is an elementary school teacher and has been since 1999 - she is a compassionate and enthusiastic educator, creating and nurturing a lifelong love of knowledge in children. Stacey has lived in Jefferson since 2002. Stacey and her family are proud Falcons; her two daughters recently graduated from Jefferson. As a Board Member, Stacey strives to advance public education and promote the achievement of all students through effective governance.

Adele Wildermuth

Adele Wildermuth, Vice President
3 Year Term: 2023 – 2025
Email: AWildermuth@jefftwp.org

Adele is a retired healthcare marketing professional and a certified high school business teacher. She has lived in Jefferson since 2002. Adele and her family are proud Falcons; her three children having graduated a few years ago from Jefferson. Adele is a member of the Milton United Methodist Church and Manager of the New Hope Food Pantry. She has spent many years nurturing children as a Sunday school teacher and youth group leader. As a Board Member, Adele wants to take an active part in supporting both our teachers and our students to achieve excellence for all.

Chris Brown

Chris Brown
3 Year Term: 2025-2027
Email: ChBrown@jefftwp.org

Chris is employed as an engineer at Picatinny Arsenal with a bachelor’s degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a master’s degree from Stevens Institute of Technology. Chris is an active volunteer in the schools and coaches multiple rec sports, including baseball and softball. Chris is an active member of the Milton United Methodist Church serving in IT leadership positions. Chris has lived in Jefferson since 2009; he has three children in the Jefferson school district and serves on the Board of Education to ensure that children of all ages are represented in the decision-making process and that the district delivers the best educational experience possible.

Jaime Grater

Jaime Grater
3 Year Term: 2023-2025
Email: JGrater@jefftwp.org

Jaime works as a Global Customer Care Manager for a chemical company. Jaime has lived in Jefferson all her life having graduated from Jefferson Township Public Schools in 1999. Jaime has two children in the Jefferson schools. Jaime is active in coaching her son's baseball team and volunteering for the JCPTA events. Jaime joined the Board of Education to be a voice and an advocate for the students as well as advocate for transparency to the community. Jaime wants to be involved in her children’s education and strive for the best possible outcomes.

Christine Mallimo-Orna

Christine Mallimo-Orna
3 Year Term: 2025-2027
Email: COrna@jefftwp.org

Christine is a special education art teacher at a private school. Christine has lived in Jefferson since 2003. She is an active board member of the JTHS MBPA heading up the scholarships and volunteers with the local Boy Scouts. As our newest Board Member, Christine is interested in improving communication with the community and advocating for more parent involvement in board meetings as well as supporting the board during the reconfiguration and advocating for special needs students.

Chris Natale

Christopher Natale
3 Year Term: 2025-2027
Email: CNatale@jefftwp.org

Chris earned a master’s degree in Biology and has more than 25 years of pharmaceutical experience working in Clinical Development. Chris has lived in Jefferson since 1999 and his children are proud Falcons having graduated recently from Jefferson. Chris is an active supporter of the Lake Hopatcong Historical Museum. As a Board Member, Chris ran for the Board of Education so that students have access to as many opportunities as possible, whether they be academic or extra-curricular. Chris wants to be a part of creating an educational environment where the students thrive, embrace a love of learning, and are prepared for the future.

Diane Perez

Diane Perez
3 Year Term: 2024-2026
Email: DPerez@jefftwp.org

Diane is a Registered Nurse with experience in Medical-Surgical and Oncology Nursing. Diane has been in Nursing Administration for the past 25 years. Diane has lived in Jefferson since 2005 and has a son in JTHS. Diane serves as the Chair of the Jefferson Township Special Education Parent Advisory Group (SEPAG). Diane is proud to serve as a member of the Jefferson Township Board of Education where she can advocate for all students with learning differences and see them reach their highest potential.

Jill Small

Jill Small
3 Year Term: 2024-2026
Email: JSmall@jefftwp.org

Jill is a middle school special education teacher with more than fifteen years of experience. Jill loves watching and helping her students make connections with what they learn in school and their own lives. Jill has lived in Jefferson since 2002. Jill has two sons; one is a proud, recently graduated Falcon and her other son is in JTHS. Jill is active in the Jefferson community having been an active volunteer for the Jefferson Township Teen Scene, Little League, and Junior Woman’s Club. Jill joined the Board of Education to advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves.

Michael

Michael Stewart
3 Year Term: 2023-2025
Email:MStewart@jefftwp.org

Michael is retired and has served on the Board for fifteen years. Michael has lived in Jefferson since 1986. Michael is a member of the Jefferson Township library board and routinely attends many of our sporting and entertainment events to cheer on the Jefferson students. Michael has had a long-term interest in education and feels he can bring that interest and experience to seeing that our young people get the best education possible.

Contact Info

  • Mrs. Jeanne Howe
    Superintendent of Schools

    Dr. Roger Jinks
    Assistant Superintendent of Schools

    Mrs. Rita Oroho Giacchi
    Business Administrator/Board Secretary

    Members of the Board of Education & End of Term Dates
    President: Mrs. Stacey Poulas, 12/31/2026
    Vice President: Mrs. Adele Wildermuth, 12/31/2025 
    Mr. Christopher J. Brown, 12/31/2027 
    Mrs. Jaime Grater, 12/31/2025 
    Mrs. Christine Mallimo-Orna, 12/31/2027 
    Mr. Christopher Natale, 12/31/2027 
    Mrs. Diane Perez, 12/31/2026
    Mrs. Jill Small, 12/31/2026
    Mr. Michael Stewart, 12/31/2025

    To e-mail the Board of Education members:
    boe@jefftwp.org