By Kathryn Coulibaly
Meet 2026-27 Middlesex County ESP of the Year Mark Palmieri
As a district computer technician, Mark Palmieri knows his way around the district.
“I’m one of eight technicians who support all the schools in Old Bridge,” Palmieri says. “While I’m primarily assigned to one middle school and one elementary school, I also assist other technicians whenever issues arise that impact students, teachers, other staff and administrators.”
From Smart Boards to chrome books, projectors to sound systems, the internet to keyboards, as Palmieri says, “If it plugs in, we fix it or we solve those problems.”
Palmieri started his career in retail, eventually moving into education when a technology position opened up at an alternative school for students with behavioral issues. From there, Palmieri went to Long Branch School District then found his way to Old Bridge, where he has been part of the technology department for the past 11 years.
“I like the satisfaction of completing tasks,” he says. “Whether summer projects or during the school year, I like the feeling you get from working hard to fulfill the goals that have been set. I like helping people and when I solve their problems for them, it makes them happy!”
Palmieri understands that technology issues can be overwhelming for people. “In schools, everything is online. When the power is out or the internet fails, it throws people, and it’s hard to tell them when to expect those issues to be resolved.”
As one of only a few staff who work in the technology department, Palmieri felt it was important to get involved in the union early on. Although he had never previously worked in a union environment, he quickly embraced the benefits of union membership, attending almost every conference available to him. The Old Bridge Education Association is a large local with more than 1,000 members. Palmieri stepped up to serve as one of the vice presidents, representing the technology and maintenance departments. He’s proud to be their voice at the bargaining table and the executive board.
“You have to get involved to get your voices heard,” Palmieri says. “I don’t know why people don’t want to be heard. That’s how you get things in the contract for yourself and your colleagues. When I joined the school district, I joined the union. I didn’t have a union family before this, but I really embraced it because I want to improve things for people.”
Palmieri was honored to be named the 2026-27 Middlesex County ESP of the Year.
“This was a surprise. The technology department doesn’t usually get recognized. We’re behind-the-scenes people. When things go wrong, we’re the first to hear about it. But when things go right, we don’t always get that appreciation. To be recognized as the County ESP of the Year is a great thing. I hope it encourages even more technology people to get involved, attend union events and speak up for their colleagues.”
Nominations are open for the NJEA ESP awards
NJEA is accepting nominations for the 2027 Friend of ESP Award and ESP Career Achievement Award. These individuals will be honored at the 2027 NJEA ESP Conference, taking place Feb. 6-7, 2027. The nomination deadline is Oct. 15. Learn more at njea.org/nominations-open-for-esp-awards-2 .