Director of Special Education


Dr. Frank Mauriello

Dr. Mauriello is excited to work with an outstanding team of educators, students, and parents. In his role, Dr. Mauriello will continue to focus on a student-centered philosophy with a collaborative and caring approach. In order to achieve District goals, he supports open communication and the development of strong relationships with colleagues, students, and parents. Dr. Mauriello has served as the Director of Special Services for the Verona Public Schools for the past seven years where he prioritizes the needs of students in every decision. Dr. Mauriello will focus on building relationships based on openness, trust, and support as he supports the District's initiatives.

Dr. Mauriello served the Ridgewood Public Schools for 15 years as a special education teacher, social worker, and school administrator. In these roles, he assisted families by guiding them through the special education process to support the needs of each child. Dr. Mauriello has made a positive impact in all of the communities he served through effective collaboration and by supporting the social, emotional, and educational needs of all students.

During his seven years as Director of Special Services with the Verona Public Schools, Dr. Mauriello enhanced the articulation, design, and implementation of the District's special education curriculum and programs. He values communication with all stakeholders with a focus on listening to best address student and staff needs. Dr. Mauriello maintains a philosophy of treating people with respect, listening to all viewpoints, and providing support for faculty and staff, students, and parents in making important decisions that prioritize the needs of children.

Through active listening, he was able to assess staff and community needs to design comprehensive mental health programs for all students across the entire school district. Dr. Mauriello has served in education for 24 years where he has fostered an environment in which students and faculty feel secure and respected at all times, and where the community understands that we are all working together for the benefit of their children. Dr. Mauriello is a presenter on special education at state and national conferences. As a result of his collaborative efforts and leadership, Dr. Mauriello was recently recognized as the NJASA/NJAPSA State of New Jersey Special Education Administrator of the Year for 2022.

Dr. Mauriello holds a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) with a concentration in Educational Leadership from Saint Peter’s University, M.A. in Education and Learning from Nova Southeastern University, M.A. in Social Work from Kean University, M.A. in Administration and Supervision from the College of Saint Elizabeth, and a B.A. in Special Education from William Paterson University.

Director of Special Education
Dr. Frank Mauriello

Phone: 201.416.8100  
Fax:      201.416.8123
Email:  [email protected]

Administrative Assistant to the Director of Special Education
Lisa Blackowski

Phone: 201.416.8100 X3826
Fax:      201.416.8123
Email:  [email protected]