Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School Opens Recording Studio Named for Educator Johanna Rodriguez

A recording studio at Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School now carries the name of Johanna B. Rodriguez — a former educator, children's advocate, music-lover, and founding member of the Education Enrichment Foundation of Scotch Plains-Fanwood (EEF). The Johanna Rodriguez Recording Studio was formally dedicated on May 4, 2026, and will be available to students during the 2026-27 school year.

The studio was made possible by a $10,000 bequest from the Rodriguez family, received by the EEF in 2019. The space is equipped with Pro Tools and Logic Pro software, along with MIDI drum pads, keyboards, microphones, and other professional-grade audio equipment. Students will have access to the studio to explore music, media, and creativity.

Johanna Rodriguez served as a special education teacher and learning consultant in Linden, Plainfield, and Roselle Park, and taught as an adjunct professor at Kean College. She spent years advocating for educators and children across New Jersey.

At the May 4 dedication, Superintendent Dr. Joan Mast, Deputy Superintendent Dr. Robert McGarry, and Board of Education member Amy Boroff were present. Rodriguez's children, Lisa and David Rodriguez, participated in the ribbon cutting and shared reflections.

EEF President Dr. Joseph A. Llano spoke at the ceremony: "This is more than just a ribbon cutting. It is a moment where community, education, and legacy come together in a really powerful way."

Senior choral students Kayla McNair, Gayatri Phatak, Peyton Rose, and Cooper Pomponio performed the school's alma mater at the dedication. Junior Joe Furgiuele recorded, edited, and replayed the performance live for attendees, demonstrating the creative possibilities the new studio makes available to students.

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Photo Credit: EEF OF SPF

FAQ

Q: What is the Johanna Rodriguez Recording Studio?
A: It is a professional recording studio at Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School equipped with Pro Tools, Logic Pro, MIDI drum pads, keyboards, microphones, and other professional-grade audio equipment for student use in music and media exploration.

Q: When was the studio dedicated?
A: The studio was formally dedicated on May 4, 2026.

Q: Who was Johanna Rodriguez?
A: Johanna Rodriguez was a former special education teacher and learning consultant in Linden, Plainfield, and Roselle Park who also taught as an adjunct professor at Kean College. She was a children's advocate and founding member of the Education Enrichment Foundation (EEF).

Q: How was the studio funded?
A: The studio was made possible by a $10,000 bequest from the Rodriguez family, received by the EEF in 2019.

Q: When will students have access to the studio?
A: Students will have access to the studio during the 2026-27 school year.

Q: What equipment is in the studio?
A: The studio is equipped with Pro Tools and Logic Pro software, MIDI drum pads, keyboards, microphones, and other professional-grade audio equipment.

Q: Who attended the dedication ceremony?
A: Superintendent Dr. Joan Mast, Deputy Superintendent Dr. Robert McGarry, Board of Education member Amy Boroff, and Johanna Rodriguez's children Lisa and David Rodriguez attended.

Q: What did the EEF president say at the dedication?
A: EEF President Dr. Joseph A. Llano stated, "This is more than just a ribbon cutting. It is a moment where community, education, and legacy come together in a really powerful way."

Q: What happened at the dedication ceremony?
A: Senior choral students performed the school's alma mater, and junior Joe Furgiuele recorded, edited, and replayed the performance live for attendees.

Q: What is the Education Enrichment Foundation?
A: The EEF works with educators, administrators, families, and community supporters to fund projects and experiences that enrich student learning beyond traditional school funding.