Meet 2025-26 Burlington County ESP of the Year John Meyer
By Kathryn Coulibaly
John Meyer spent more than 20 years in the Navy before ultimately transitioning to a career as a custodian in Pemberton’s public schools. This year, his hard work and contributions were recognized when he was named the 2025-26 Burlington County ESP of the Year.
“No one goes into custodial work for the pay,” Meyer says. “The reward is the smile and thank you. One person can truly make a difference, and I choose to be that person.”
After retiring from the Navy, Meyer worked in a variety of other fields. His wife, Nancy, a teacher in Pemberton, urged him to consider working for the district. Meyer asked her what custodians did. She said they were responsible for cleaning schools and keeping them safe. He laughingly replied, “Oh, you mean Navy work.”
Meyer started as a substitute custodian at Denbo-Crichton Elementary School.
“I had so much fun,” Meyer says. “Who knew that cleaning was fun? I’m a prankster and I love bantering, so I fit in with the staff. Six months later, there was an opening, and I was hired as a night custodian.”
Eventually, a daytime position opened, and Meyer jumped at the chance to have the same schedule as his wife, and to be able to do more union work.
Now a head custodian back at Denbo-Crichton, Meyer also serves as one of the vice presidents of the union, primarily responsible for the maintenance, custodial, grounds and kitchen workers.
“We have about 700 members in our union, and more than 250 of them are educational support professional members,” Meyer says. “I’m responsible for 79 ESP members. I’ve been a vice president for four years and I’m happy to help give them an even stronger voice.”
Meyer also is in charge of the buildings and grounds at Denbo-Crichton, a responsibility he takes great pride in.
“This school is state-of-the art,” Meyer says. “It’s got beautiful lighting and clean walls. Maintaining it is a challenge, but we’re meeting the challenge. You can’t be an outstanding custodian without a great team. I have a great team, and they meet or exceed expectations.”
Meyer’s wife knew he was being nominated for educational support professional of the year, but she kept it quiet.
“I’m uncomfortable with accolades,” Meyer says. “I come in and do my job. If colleagues see me working and they thank me, then I’m happy.”
Nancy was one of the colleagues who wrote a letter nominating Meyer for the honor, a fact that pleases him.
“Knowing my wife brags about me means a lot,” Meyer says.
While Meyer could retire at any time, he plans to continue working in the schools for a few more years.
“It’s a rough time for a lot of people in education right now. My job is to put a smile on the face of everyone.”
Kathryn Coulibaly writes the monthly ESP column. She is an associate director in the Communications Divison.