Meet Somerset County ESP of the Year Daniel Kerwin
Daniel Kerwin was in the middle of cutting the lawn at the old high school in Montgomery, Somerset County when he noticed a man waving his hands at him, trying to get his attention.
“I turned off the machine and I went over to talk to the guy, and he said, ‘I’m Pete Vala, the union president, and you’re Danny Kerwin. We could use a guy like you,’” Kerwin recalls.
That encounter propelled Kerwin into union involvement early in his career. One of the things that he is proudest of is how many people he has been able to help as a result.
“I give my phone number to anyone,” Kerwin says. “If someone is in a jam, I tell them to give me a call. I live in Old Bridge, but I’m a problem-solver across county lines.”
A long career in Montgomery
Kerwin has been solving problems for more than 26 years in Montgomery. He is now the senior groundskeeper, responsible for the district’s grounds, including five buildings and numerous athletic fields.
“I love everything about my job,” Kerwin says. “I love working outside. I love helping people out.”
Many people, including educational support professionals (ESPs) come to Kerwin for help in a variety of situations, and he is happy to step up.
“A lot of ESPs have to work second jobs to make ends meet,” Kerwin says. “One of our colleagues was working hard, but he was in danger of losing his home. I know a lot of people, and I have a large network. I know the procedures to follow. A lot of what helps me help other people are the seminars that NJEA hosts. I go to all the conferences and get to know people. I made some phone calls and worked with the association. We were able to help this person. From then on, we had a special connection. I know that we all go through good and bad times, but you need to turn to people for help.”
Kerwin also has a Black Seal license and will help out custodians and maintenance staff.
“When you go into the elementary schools, the students are very curious about what we are doing,” Kerwin says. “I’ve known a lot of the staff for many years, and they will explain who I am and what I’m doing.”
Leading an annual holiday tradition
Kerwin has taken over an annual tradition in the district of setting up model trains around the December holidays.
“We put up a holiday display with trains from my and a former principal’s collection,” Kerwin says. “Everyone really enjoys seeing them, year after year.”
Kerwin was honored to be named the Somerset County ESP of the Year.
“I wasn’t looking for recognition, but it was nice,” Kerwin says. “I get a lot of satisfaction out of my job. I like looking back at the playing fields and feeling proud of how they look.”
Kerwin enjoys his job year-round, from the excitement of preparing the grounds in the spring to the closure of the calendar year as things transition into winter. During the winter months, he and his staff are on alert in case of winter storms.
“Sometimes we stay overnight at the school,” Kerwin says. “Everyone pulls together. Working here for so many years, you build up friendships. People become like your second family, from administrators to colleagues in buildings and grounds and in all of the schools. I feel a great sense of accomplishment in helping others. That’s everything for me.”