Schools

Blind Brook Celebrates Teachers Before the Budget Election

On the night before the school budget election, Blind Brook Board of Education acknowledged 5 retirees and tenured 8 educators.

Though less than twenty-four hours remained before the budget election, the Blind Brook Board of Education still had special business to conduct at Monday night’s meeting. The mood was festive and the room filled with children and family.

“This is probably the largest audience we’ve had for quite some period of time,” said President Steve Kaplan.

The Celebration of Teaching has been held for the last few years, according to Kaplan to give special recognition to retiring teachers and to congratulate those earning tenure.

"It’s a highlight moment in their career in education," said board president Kaplan of the honored group. "We share the joy you have this evening."

Retirees included Jill Ben-Porat, Karen Bronson, Danielle Esposito, Joan Mele and David Press.

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Educators Colin Bryne Rita Gianfrancesco, Jane Giard, Brandon Marcinkiewicz, Mary Mediate, Christine Onofrio, Janeen Sucharski, and James Tamucci were unanimously approved for tenure at the 3-year anniversary of their eligibility.

Like pedagogical bookends, on one hand the retirees had served at least 30 years with the Blind Brook school district; while on the other, tenure candidates presented a 3-year portfolio of their teaching- though many had served for signifcantly longer.

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The evening was filled with light-hearted poignant moments. 

Elementary school students from Ridge Street School gathered around the podium as retiring primary school teacher Danielle Espostio held back tears.

Retiring middle school principal Karen Bronson gave a surprise Powerpoint presentation that light-heartedly outlined her plans to spend more time with her 3 grandchildren, travel, sleep late and breed chihuahuas.

Bronson then graciously passed the leadership baton to incoming principal Patricia Lambert who was also on hand for a formal introduction.

The eight tenure candidates were all passed unanimously by the board.

In other personnel matters, the board approved "lane movements" and salary increases for 3 teachers: Michael Thomas to MA 15++ 60 hrs., salary $128,511; Ira Hersch to MA 9+ 45 hrs., salary $102,812; and Mariann Schirizzo to MA 1+15 hrs., salary $67,805.

The board also approved a merger of the ice hockey program between Blind Brook, Rye Neck and Harrison for the 2011-2012. The approval requires the Ice Hockey booster club to contribute $30,000.

At the close of the meeting, President Kaplan spoke to the school board candidates.

"I wish all candidates good luck," said Kaplan. "I applaud everybody who steps up and puts themselves in the public arena."


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