A Steady Hand During Jackson’s Most Challenging Chapter

By Giuseppe Palmeri

Jackson Township Councilman

Pulse and Perspective 

As Superintendent Nicole Pormilli prepares to retire effective July 1, 2026, I find this moment to be both bittersweet.

During my three years serving on the Jackson Township Board of Education, I had the privilege of working closely with Superintendent Pormilli, and I can say without hesitation that she is an exceptional leader and an even better person.

In the aftermath of COVID-19 — during the 2020–2021 period when uncertainty surrounded nearly every aspect of public education — I strongly advocated for Superintendent Pormilli to receive a new five-year contract, even though she was only two years into her first. At the time, I felt it would have been unfair not to do so. More importantly, I believed stability mattered, and Jackson needed a steady, experienced hand.

That belief proved correct.

Superintendent Pormilli led our district through the most challenging chapter in its history. She guided Jackson schools through the unprecedented disruption of COVID, ongoing staffing and operational challenges, and later through a difficult district restructuring that was, in part, forced by Governor Murphy’s S2 funding cuts. These were not easy decisions, but they were necessary, and they were handled with care, transparency, and a focus on preserving educational quality for students.

Through it all, she never wavered. She was calm, thoughtful, and deliberate — the kind of leader who brings reassurance during uncertainty.

With more than 30 years in education, her experience was evident every single day. She always gave 100 percent. She was fair, balanced, and deeply committed to every student in the district. Decisions were never made lightly, and students were always at the center of her work.

While I will truly miss her guidance, insight, and perspective, I am genuinely happy for her and her well-deserved retirement. Public service at this level comes with enormous personal sacrifice, and she gave so much of herself to this community.

Over time, Superintendent Pormilli became someone I not only respected as a professional, but considered a friend. Jackson is stronger because of her leadership, and her legacy will be felt long after July 1.

I wish Superintend Pormilli nothing but happiness and fulfillment in this next chapter.