About
Ms. Mary Jane Custy
Principal, Brayton School
The Summit Board of Education approved Ms. Mary Jane Custy as the next principal of Brayton Elementary School at the meeting on December 18. Ms. Custy is expected to join Summit Public Schools as Principal of Brayton no later than February 9, 2026, with the possibility of an earlier start date.
With more than 20 years of experience as an educator and administrator, Ms. Custy brings an unwavering commitment to student growth, instructional excellence, and a school culture where every child and adult feels seen, supported, and empowered. She currently serves as Vice Principal at Francis A. Desmares Elementary School in the Flemington-Raritan School District. In this leadership role, she has been recognized for guiding data-informed instructional practices that led to measurable improvement on NWEA MAP Growth and NJSLA assessments. Her leadership has also strengthened professional learning systems, enhanced staff collaboration, and deepened teachers’ understanding of student progress and achievement.
Prior to her administrative roles, she served the Flemington-Raritan community as a District Fundations Coach, STRETCH (Gifted and Talented) teacher where she won District Teacher of the Year, as well as a Literacy Support Teacher. She began her career as a Fifth Grade and Basic Skills Reading Teacher in Hillsborough Township Schools.
To ensure continuity of leadership, Ms. Jessica Nardi was also approved at the December Board meeting as Interim Principal of Brayton, with a start date of January 5, 2026. Ms. Nardi brings extensive experience, having served for 16 years as an elementary principal in Berkeley Heights before retiring in August. She spent a total of 22 years as an elementary administrator, following a 17-year teaching career in elementary education.
Thanks to the continued involvement and support of our Parent Teacher Organization, Brayton is able to offer many wonderful experiences for our students, including some of the activities mentioned below. Numerous activities are also provided by the PTO to enhance school unity - Variety Show, Field and Fun Day and Bingo Night are just a few of the many events.