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Haldane Workshop Marks Changing of the Guard
Reorganizational meeting scheduled for July 19
by Mike Turton
The end of the 2006-2007 school year also marks a parting of the ways for a number of familiar faces at the Haldane School District. At the workshop held on June 19, trustees, staff and residents said goodbye to some while welcoming others into the fold.
Among those not returning for the 2007-2008 school year are Superintendent John Di Natale; Board Vice President Joe Curto; trustee Katherine Marino; School Business Official Meryl Rubinstein and PTA President Debbi Milner.
Board president Dave Merandy thanked Di Natale warmly for his ten years of service, referring to him as a "tireless worker." While admitting that they "didn't always see eye to eye," Merandy acknowledged the challenge that the superintendent faced in dealing with a myriad of issues every day while making decisions that were bound to not please everyone. "John stabilized the District and moved it ahead. Haldane is in a position to get even better now and we wouldn't be there without his efforts," Merandy concluded.
Di Natale acknowledged the difficult decisions he has faced, stating that at times "it can be a lonely job" but adding, "I've always kept the children in mind. As a community we're in it for the children."
When asked after the meeting to identify the biggest test facing the new Board, Di Natale responded quickly, stating simply, "Keeping taxes down." In terms of educational challenges Di Natale said that the country as a whole must do a better job of preparing students to be part of the global economy. "Jobs that we once assumed our college grads would get are going to countries such as China and India. We have to make our kids more competitive."
Outgoing Board Vice President Curto, who leaves the Board after a three-year term, also drew praise from Merandy. "Joe has been so full of energy. He's been on campus more than anyone - monitoring projects for the benefit of the community."
When asked by the PCN&R what he is most proud of, Curto replied, "Helping to create honest and transparent government. When we've screwed up we've admitted it. And information is now there for anyone who wants it." Curto said that he feels the biggest challenge facing the board in the upcoming year is dealing with change. "This is a real transition year - new trustees, a new superintendent and a new business official. They just have to cooperate."
Katherine Marino also served as trustee for three years. Merandy thanked her for her passion, commitment and fairness stating that, "Kathy will go toe-to-toe with anyone and won't back down when she believes in something. She has helped advance education and equality at Haldane." Marino said that she is very proud of her role in establishing the "Powerschool" program and in adding a middle school coordinator. She listed funding as the number one challenge facing the Board - adding "as always."
Debbi Milner will not be returning after serving for three years on the PTA, one year as Vice President and two years as President. Trustee Bruce Campbell summed up the outgoing President's contribution stating, "Debbi has been outstanding. Her thorough coordination of so many projects that benefited the school made her an integral part of Haldane."
The Haldane PTA Executive Committee for 2007 - 2008 will also see many new faces. The committee will be as follows: Margaret Parr - President; Carolyn Panthen - Vice President, MS/HS; Mary Bates - Vice President, Elementary; Terese Olsen - Treasurer; Maria Leiter - Recording Secretary; Maureen McGrath - Corresponding Secretary. To Contact the PTA you can email them at letters@haldanepta.org
Haldane is also losing the services of School Business Official Meryl Rubinstein. Joe Curto thanked Rubinstein for her professionalism, stating that before she was hired "We went through business officials like water." Curto also paid Rubinstein what is perhaps the ultimate compliment for someone in that position, stating that "she saved us money countless times."
The Board also approved a number of personnel matters as part of its regular workshop agenda. Leanne Kearns and Skye Hoff were hired as Teacher's Aides for the summer program for special needs students. Julia Sniffen was granted tenure after nine years at Haldane, prompting Board president Merandy to comment that she "represents everything that is good about Haldane." Meryl Rubinstein will serve as Interim Superintendent from July 1 through July 8 when the new Superintendent, Mark Villanti, assumes his duties. Jennie Cohowicz was approved as Speech and Language Pathologist, a new full-time position. Lindsay Moraitis was appointed as Health Education Teacher. The Board also approved a slate of more than seventy co-curricular and coaching positions for 2007-2008.
The Haldane Board of Education will hold its reorganization meeting on July 19.
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