Taulant Feti, Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds for the West Essex Regional School District, won distinction as one of the top school building managers in New Jersey by a statewide school operations and management group. The New Jersey School Buildings and Grounds Association named Feti as their pick for Certified Educational Facilities Manager of the Year for 2024.
Feti reflected on the award celebrating his innovation, outstanding service and best practices, and took time to answer the Wire’s questions about what the district’s maintenance team has accomplished and what they’re most proud of.
Wire: What does this award mean for you?
Taulant Feti: Winning the Facilities Manager of the Year Award is really meaningful to me. It shows that all the hard work and teamwork from my department are being recognized. This award encourages us to keep doing our best and aim for even better results in managing our facilities. It’s not just about me winning, but it’s a win for all of us who work together to keep everything running smoothly. Moreover, it highlights the significance of my previous professional background, showcasing the tangible advantages it has brought since I became part of West Essex in 2015.
As a facility manager, what are some of your proudest achievements?
As a facility manager, I’m immensely proud of the collaborative achievements of our team. We’ve not only implemented sustainable practices and enhanced safety protocols but also consistently surpassed operational goals while remaining cost-effective. What sets us apart is our ability to make significant improvements in-house, ensuring high-quality results without outsourcing work. However, the true source of pride lies in the unwavering dedication and hard work of my team members, whose commitment ensures the seamless functioning of our facilities day in and day out. Their dedication serves as our driving force, and I’m deeply honored to lead such a dedicated group.
None of this would be possible without the following staff members: Matthew Almonte, Todd Longo, Paulette Wright, Brennan Neary, Guri Lazellari, Ramoncito Diaz, Michael Dailey, Zayvia Gabriel, Martin Stewart, Manuel Sanchez Sanchez, Antoinette Duncan, Alberto Castro, Yamille Thompson, Michael Diaz, Nicholas Iannia, Kenneth Enzor, Roxana Jocquin Abanto, Shawn Kellman, Sal Provenzano, Gerard D’anton, Oniel Brown, Chuck Henion, Bernard Dvella, Ronald Paxson, Edward Doncoes, John Crocco, Isaac Guzman, Robert Miller, Kevin McCambridge and my secretary, Shara Lekston.
What is your favorite part about having this job?
Every day, I wake up eager and thankful to start my workday. I realize that not everyone feels the same, so I consider myself fortunate to genuinely love my job. The West Essex community is like a second family to me, and I’m proud to serve them, especially having the support from administration and the district’s board members.
