Special Services
Mrs. Kathleen Gesumaria
Assistant Superintendent for Special Services
e: kgesumar@somsd.k12.nj.us
p: (973) 762-5600 x1840
All questions/concerns regarding your child’s program should be directed toward the child study team case manager. If you do not receive a satisfactory response please call the Department of Special Services at 973-762-5600 x1840 where you will be directed to the appropriate administrator.
Special Education Audit
- Special Education Audit - Letter To Families
- Special Education Audit - PDF
- Special Education Audit - Survey for families
News & Communications
2024-2025
2023-2024
Other Items
- Special Services: October Department Newsletter (10/2)
- COVID-19 SCHOOL-AGE TUITION ASSISTANCE FOR WORKING FAMILIES - English (9/22)
- COVID-19 SCHOOL-AGE TUITION ASSISTANCE FOR WORKING FAMILIES - Spanish (9/22)
- 2020 -2021 Special Services Supplemental Guide: Virtual Instruction Guidebook for Families (9/2)
- Special Services: Distance Learning Update (5/20)
- Special Education and Preschool Programs - School Closing Information Regarding COVID 19 (3/15)
- Student Services Update - December 2019
- Student Services Letter - Transportation to OOD Schools - December 2019
- Student Services Letter To Parents - September 2019
- Student Services Referral Process
Services Offered
Support Services available to students with disabilities include:
- Child Study Teams
- Speech and Language Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Instructional Aide Support
- Transitional Services
- Behavioral Intervention Services
- Counseling Services
Important Links
District Homeless Education Liaison
- The Assistant Superintendent for Special Services serves as the district liaison. Contact information can be found below.
- NJ McKinney-Vento Education for Homeless Children and Youth Program
Department Contacts
| Name | Title / Position | Telephone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mrs. Kathleen Gesumaria | Assistant Superintendent for Special Services | kgesumar@somsd.k12.nj.us | (973) 762 - 5600 x1840 |
| Ms. Christina Punturieri | Supervisor of Special Education: K - 8 | cpunturi@somsd.k12.nj.us | (973) 762 - 5600 x 1842 |
| Ms. Susan Ellis | Supervisor of Special Education: K - 8 | shellis@somsd.k12.nj.us | (973) 762 - 5600 x 1838 |
| Mr. Timothy Franklin | Supervisor of Special Education: 9 -12+ | tfrankli@somsd.k12.nj.us | (973) 762 - 5600 x 1145 |
| Ms. Lisa Padula | Department Secretary | lpadula@somsd.k12.nj.us | (973) 762 - 5600 x 1220 |
| Ms. Nosimot Nicholls | Department Secretary | nnicholl@somsd.k12.nj.us | (973) 762 - 5600 x 1846 |
| Ms. Felicia China-Richardson | Preschool Program Secretary | fchina@somsd.k12.nj.us | (973) 762 - 5600 x 1826 |