Local School Boards Award Teachers Tenure

Congratulations were in order at the May Board of Education meetings for the West Hempstead, Malverne Valley Stream Central High School District, as many dedicated teachers were awarded with tenure.

“We have several new tenured [employees] here, and they each did an outstanding job,” said West Hempstead Superintendent John Hogan as he introduced each one at the May 10 school board meeting.  Kathleen O’Farrell (ELA), Dan DePasquale (music), Ryan Dooley (physical education and health), Susan Russo (special education), Kate Tovano (special education),  Louis Bonadonna (Psychologist) and Daisy Weinstein (foreign language) were each congratulated by Hogan, who spoke personally about observing their classes and programs.

It was also announced that night that Frank Medicini, of the custodial department, will be retiring in August, who according to Deputy Superintendent Richard Cunningham “looks forward to playing a lot more golf.”

Every resident cheered as Board President Pamela Lotito thanked all the tenured and retirees, calling them assets to the district. Among other motions passed during the meeting was an approval of Superintendent Hogan’s contract through 2015.

At the May meeting of the Valley Stream Central H.S. School Board, a total of 22 teachers received either administrative, teaching or teaching assistant tenure. The teachers from North High School that received tenure included Guidance Counselor Jamie Carbone, Math teacher Geoffrey O’Connell, Special Education teacher Anne Marie Passaretti, Foreign Language teacher Rosemarie Scaglione, and teaching assistants Karen Gilkes and James Casella.  

Board of Education Trustee Frank Chiachiere explained the rigorous process teachers go through to gain tenure, which includes classroom observations by administrative personnel, and taking part in a mentoring program.

“We thank all the teachers for their hard work and dedication,” said Board of Education President Ken Cummings.

The recipients were treated to a special congratulatory dinner prior to the meeting.

Malverne also awarded tenure to nine of its employees at its most recent board of education meeting.

"Those of you who know Malverne, know we're very stringent on how we give tenure," Board Vice President Marguerite O' Connor said.

She announced that the following teachers had earned the distinction: Sheryil Straker (Social Studies), Genna Brancaccio (Special Education), Anita Heinz (Science), Joseph Thomas (Physical Education), Joseph Gunther (Physical Education), Michael Fallon (Physical Education) Patrick Nolan (Physical Education), Christine Fennel and Christina DaCostas (Special Education).

The recipients will be honored with certificates at the board's June meeting.

"Our congratulations go out...and we're very happy yo have them on staff," O'Connor added.