001I proposal motion carries now session 702. I'd like to stand als [Music] One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Okay, we're going to be reading the amendment to the agenda which 162 resolve that the board of education hereby denies the appeal made by the parents student ID number 0091 0091 3426 We're going to move on to agenda item number five which is retirement celebration to superintendent. Thank you board president. Good evening everyone. To get tonight, we come together to celebrate six retirees who total 113 years of service to the Axford School District. They each have a lifetime of service, commitment, and care. And tonight, we honor Joanne Dobins, director of special education. Yes, you can fall. We also honor Heidi, district treasurer from business office. We also honor Lauren Schultz, our
002teacher at Alexander Hamilton. We also honor tonight our staff, our social studies teacher, Alexander Hamilton. We also honor Robin Williams, our office assistant in the business office. And we also honor Laura Ryan, our teacher, our academic intervention, our title rank coordinator at elementary as well. As superintendent, I've had the privilege of seeing each of them up and close. They have touched hearts and in in immeasurable ways, they've positively impacted the lives of students, colleagues, and families day after day. I'm going to talk about each of them very quickly. Um and then I'm going to invite some members of the administrative staff to speak on behalf of them. So our administrative staff can join me up here um that's going to speak tonight. You can just stand over here so that we can kind of uh
003also be prepared to really share why we're going to miss them so much. As I shared earlier, um each of these individuals have positively impacted the lives of so many in our district in so many countless ways. Miss Dawkins, Joanne, thank you so much for your commitment to ensuring that every student received what they needed. You never stopped. You can cl Go ahead. You never stopped in your ways of supporting not only students but faculty as well as families. Your compassion is endless and there is no limit to the compassion you have given to our students and our families. And you have given them opportunities to thrive not only during the experience of Ellford but much after. And we know that there are many many students lives that you have transformed because of the impact
004of your unending and unbelievable commitment and perseverance and persistence to the lives of our students. And I want to thank you Joy Heidi Holfield. I have the pleasure of working with Heidi, especially on this year's budget. Your meticulous attention to detail, your knowledge, your skills, and your expertise in areas that um are not only in finance for the as a treasurer, but also in areas of payroll and our purchasing. There are so many countless ways in which your stewardship has kept our district financially strong and able to serve our students with excellence. and it has been our joy and pleasure to work with you on this year's budget. So, we thank you [Applause] who is our my next sort of roommate um who I see quite frequently. So, not only have I known her as
005a teacher, but as the person who spread across the hall for me, learn you um have helped students not only among numbers, but also develop problem solving skills. Students have often shared with me as they walk past their their classroom that they have learned skills to serve them for a lifetime. You've not only created mathematicians, but you have created lifelong learners who have a desire to have critical thinking skills that impact them in all areas of their life. And I just want to say thank you and I'll miss your promise too. [Music] [Applause] Scout uh sends his apologies and could not be here. But I've also had the opportunity to have conversations in the hallway with Mr. staff and I just want to tell him that he has inspired students to see the world through
006multiple perspectives. Um he's taught students the importance of history and to be able to really think about history from multiple perspective perspectives from economics to politics um and to be able to help students to understand what citizenship means in the United States of America. He's also worked in ways and to develop uh an understanding and a compassion uh knowing what it means to have the ability to understand all aspects of our history as well as government. So I thank Mr. Robin Wilkins and I also have had uh real wonderful conversations with Miss Wilkins especially before everyone arrives. She's the first person to arrive at the business office every morning. Um, your kindness, your organization, your integrity especially, and your steady presence has kept our schools and business office running smoothly, making everyone feel welcome, and
007most importantly, making sure that everyone is seen and heard. And you've done that in countless ways from the meticulous ways in which you've done facilities management as well as to all the aspects of human resources and absences and really reaching out to people. Robin, your work has been really seen and I want to thank you as well. Who I've spent with on the other side of state ed uh has been a powerhouse in title one grand coordination. In addition to being a academic intervention services teacher who has happened who has helped students to overcome all types of challenges in numerous ways. You've helped students to grow with confidence and you've also looked at students one success at a time. I want to thank you so much for your tireless work on title one credit coordination
008as well and we thank you so much in the countless way as you also worked to advocate for the needs of our students who needed those title one services. So, I thank you so much. And now, I know that this is uh a little bit lengthy, but I just want to tell you that it's because these individuals are so extraordinary and we could probably spend the entire night talking about their goodness. And I'm just going to pass it over the mic because there are other people who want to share a little bit about their work in our district. Right. I'm going to speak about Joanne. Uh Joanne, you've been a pillar of the district and your dedication to the students in your care are unmatched. You've always been a fierce advocate for every child, ensuring
009that they receive the support and resources they needed to thrive. You've represented the district with distinction and your legacy of un unmatched commitment will undoubtedly live on. My journey here is intertwined with Joan. Before Ellsworth, I was the assistant superintendent of instruction in Warwick for close to a decade. And this is where Joanne resides. Coming from deaf education at the American School for the Deaf, her deep understanding of special education immediately resonated with me personally. Joanne was in the committee when I was interviewing for the assistant superintendency role. Little did I know that our professional connection quickly blossomed into a strong bond. Our initial interaction was unconventional. Joanne was recovering from back surgery. So our first meetings were overcoming me. Despite her recovery, Joanne took me in her wing, patiently guiding me through Ellford's inner
010workings. She didn't just share professional insights. She opened up about her own children and her children. When Joanne announced her retirement, the outpouring of support was incredible. People from all over the community, parents, colleagues, former students dropped off notes, gifts, and heartfelt messages. It's a true testament to the impact that she has had on so many lives. Jerome, your career has been defined by compassion, expertise, and a relentless strive to make a difference. You touched countless lives, and your influence will continue to be developed for years to come. On behalf of the Armsburg Union Free School District and personally as someone who benefited immensely from your guidance and friendship, I extend our deepest gratitude for your childish service. We wish you all the best in the next exciting chapter being filled with joy, relaxation, and
011plenty of time with your beloved family. So, good evening everyone. My name is Dr. Curry, assistant superintendent for finance and operations. Um, had the pleasure of working with both Heidi and Robin for only seven weeks, but it's been the best seven weeks of my life. Let's speak about Heidi first. Heidi joined Elmsford in December of 2018. She's been a great resource for me in my short time with her. I'm sure she's good for the district. all that time. Uh, seemingly there's nothing she doesn't know about the business office and the business office operations. From audits and grants, compliance, state reporting, general letter, and journal entries. Heidi keeps things in line. She keeps things in order. She keeps all of us out of trouble. She has a bright smile and a warm, welcoming demeanor. Above all
012else, she's a professional that takes pride in her work, being accurate and adhering to the multitude of deadlines that are inherent in the work of a school district business. I wish her the very best in the next chapter and know that she [Applause] wins July 2008. Thank you for your service. Um, Robin is responsible for a multitude of tasks in the business office. I don't think she's heard me say this, but my grand she's our Swiss Army man. She's very nimble, adaptable, and effective, and also works part of the day up in the main office in the high school. From facilities use forms to attendance, payroll transactions to healthcare, she manages everything with her own very special and very sweet disposition, which is perfect for where she sits because if you come into the business
013office, she's the first thing I see. She's the first thing you'll see. Um, Robin also takes pride in her work. She's professional and there's nothing she cannot find. Always amazed when I ask her to find something she's got. music she was organized this I can attest to that in my short time working with her dedication she brings to her craft is very obvious to me I also wish her the very best in the next chapter and I know she'll be best a quote attributed to Abraham Lincoln is whatever you do be a good one it's I privilege to honor two teachers tonight uh because both chose not to be good at what they do but to be excellent at what they do. The first I want to talk about is Mr. Gary Stout. He couldn't
014be here tonight but I think it's good for you to hear what he stands for because he definitely represents and epitomizes what our entire staff does. Um Mr. Stout worked at Alexander Hamilton for 27 years. He currently teaches social studies 7 and 8, but has also taught the high school level all all the way up to AP US history and government. Gary was the adviser to the Going Outdoors Club, shouting leading pikes for our students. He did so a few weeks ago with the 8th grade class. In a day when more adventurous things were allowed in schools, he took students whitewater rafting and camping. Mr. Stout was given the moniker G. Stout in 2007 by his colleagues and his own children called him that now today. Mr. Stout was always willing to work quietly and
015not draw attention to himself. One time he took the students by school home weekend just didn't say anything did that. Now I would have known Mr. stout since January. Here's what I've seen. Someone who's truthful, ethical, and has a strong moral compass. Someone who wants to help students develop the skills and habits that will make them successful in life. I asked Mr. yourself. When you retire and sit on a dock and look out over the water and smile and say to yourself, "My career was a success because how would you answer?" He said to me, "I can't answer that because there's always more to do." He's always looking to do better. Then I had the opportunity to talk about Miss Lorie Schultz. Lori's been teaching here for 22 years. She did her student teaching in
016this very building. And the day she ended her student teaching, the principal went up to her and said, "You want a job? I need you to start next period." And she's been here ever since. While she spent the majority of time in the high school, she's taught all the levels. I think the only class she hasn't taught is calculus. She coached modified volleyball, was the costume designer for our plays, and was the yearbook adviser. In my short time here, here's what I've observed. Someone who knows math and someone who can communicate it to her students. Someone who is joyful and loves being here every day. I honestly think retirement was a very difficult decision for her. When I ask Miss Schultz the same question, will you retire and sit on the dock and look over
017the water and smile and say to yourself, "My career was a success because she beautifully answered in her understated fashion. I taught some kids some maths. I made high levels of math." Okay, I was able to connect to the students and they were able to enjoy the process. It's been said that retirement is when you stop living at work and start working at living as you begin your retirement. Thank you for your commitment to your work. Thank you for your commitment to our kids. Thank you for your commitment to our school. Best of luck is now as you begin working and living. Good evening everyone. I have the pleasure of closing with a tribute and a letter to Mrs. White Hand. Mrs. Wand, I must start by saying thank you. Thank you for being you
018and thank you for being passionate about teaching and building foundation for children. Thank you for leaning in during the times that were challenging, always with a smile. We can laugh about it now, but we were not laughing when we had to figure out Wi-Fi during the pandemic or how to share a link or a screen trying to push into a virtual classroom, engage a reading group, or host virtual meetings from our living rooms. You have served generations, one of which their learning was entirely on computer. You should know if you don't that families in the Alice grade school community who have had you as their teacher express their gratitude on many occasions that you are still teaching and grading still love working with children building students up and that they had you as a teacher.
019You never hesitate to speak to children with love and kindness, and your classes are always so much fun. For so many of our students and their parents, you are their favorite teacher. Thank you for fostering a love of learning. And with your students, you're consistently encouraging and motivating them to get lost in a book or create their own stories. And that is what you do when we build Foundation New Jersey. We will all miss your dress rehearsals for the countless courtyard performances, the puppet shows, reading the evenings under the stars in the gym, or on our lawn that have been freshly cut. For myself and our colleagues, your spirit of sure, sure you can. No problem. Let me I'm happy to help. Let me see if I can find a grant for that. And supporting
020everyone, I say thank you. You will always have a space here at Homesbury. But just like the chapters in a book, we've come to the last page. Congratulations on your next chapter. And although I know that this was an extremely difficult decision, know that we love you and appreciate you and everything that you've done for our school community and your district. The people who started your book are waiting for you. And this new chapter and for those who know Harry, the original this has been a long time coming. And now you get to enjoy your retirement together. You can look forward to family trips whenever you want. Whether you want them with Harry, Cliff, or Sophie, or you just want to take a hike with Harry, you can never be replaced, and you will be
021missed. Thank you for everything and congratulations. We're going to call each of your up. We have a small gift for you. Um and we're going to have you come up, shake hands with the board of education as well as um your uh the supervisors and administrators. And then um we're going to take a picture and then we have one more thing and then we'll have a little bit of a reception for you. So at this time, Miss Joan Dos, if you could please come forward. [Applause] And we have Heidi Moville. We're going to have more shots. You did stout could not join us, but we will have his friend Robin. [Applause] You are my All right. Thank you. [Music] boards of education will in the front and we're going to just show Thank you everyone.
022[Applause] Okay, we are now going to move on to number six1 recognition for dedication recognition for Dr. Suzanne Phillips and I'm going to hand the mic over to we want to uh just thank Dr. Phillips for her service to the board of education. I don't know if everyone knows how difficult and challenging the role can be. Um, and one in which it takes countless hours. Uh, I I send memos that are sometimes 7 to 20 pages long for board members on Friday nights to read as well as there on phone calls with me as well as in countless executive session meetings and countless meetings um that they serve. and they do this uh with 100% compassion and I wanted to say thank you to Dr. Phillips and tonight we want to acknowledge her for the
023past 3 years and her service and uh Dr. Phillips we thank you also for serving on the Westchester Putin boards association to be able to come back with ideas and ways in which we can advocate on behalf of our students. So Dr. Phillips, we thank you and we've prepared a small little gift for you as well. Thank you. This is not just a few words. I'm an alumnist. So war positions. I have no problems serving our school district serving our students. I will continue to fight. I did not want anything tonight. Last night I received a great award from the athletic department for being supportive and and and that was wonderful. And this is not a small award. I just want to say thank you and that I wish the board much success in the
024coming years. Thank you. the board would like to congratulate everyone with retirement um and much success on the forward. Um me personally, I've known some people who are retiring for a long time. Robin being the longest in my full league and Randy. Thank you again. Um, so, um, the professionalism and the way you guys represent yourself, everyone that I've met since I've been here and in the past, um, is really, really impressive and what you've done for our community also, which extends way beyond um, what you do for students also. It does have an impact and you need to remember it and appreciate it. So, for all of you, wish you much much success in the journeys to come. All right. Thank you again. Congratulations. With that, we're going to have a little reception in
025the back. Everyone's welcome and please let's celebrate all. All right. They let you in, huh? They let you in here? Yeah.