Montclair Public Schools’ 2020 retirees were honored at the June 3 virtual Board of Education meeting. Retiring staff members were introduced by Interim Superintendent Parker. “We are delighted to celebrate as we reflect on your careers in public education,” he said. “Many of you have served 20-30 years. We are honored to salute you and the many contributions you’ve made over the years to the success of our schools.”
“I’m honored to have met so many of you,” he continued. “You are amazing people who have enriched the lives of the students in your care oftentimes overcoming obstacles when challenged to do so, no more than recently. However, no challenges were too difficult for you to progress forward and provide educational opportunities and social-emotional support for students and families alike. Thank you for your dedication, professionalism and camaraderie. We hope you enjoy your next journey.”
Board President Latifah Jannah also gave her praise. “You have done tremendous work. I hope you enjoy your retirement and whatever life holds in store for you. Thank you from all of us, for all of your years of service that you’ve given to the students, families and staff of the Montclair Public Schools.”
Fellow Board members shared their thoughts as well as district principals and administrators who provided personal insight and recalled fond memories of each retiree.
View the meeting.
Congratulations to all!
Sam Angelo, Renaissance, Head Custodian
Mary Ann Arnold, Watchung/Nishuane, Librarian
Leonard Basile, MHS, Science Teacher
Joann Bell, Charles H. Bullock, Paraprofesional
Dr. Keith Breiman, Renaissance, Social Worker
Pamela Burns Shakespear, MHS, Vocational Teacher
Beverly Chisholm, Bradford, Music Teacher
Kenneth Cleerdin, MHS, Art Teacher
Susanne Donovan, Charles H. Bullock, Paraprofessional
Valerie Elgin, Northeast, Paraprofessional
Nancy Franklin, Northeast, Curriculum Support Teacher
Christine Harris, Central Office, Transportation Manager
Christopher Johnson, MHS, Physical Education Teacher
Elena Kalacheva, MHS, Teacher of German
Joseph Kiernan, MHS, Math Teacher
Donna Kobza, Buzz Aldrin, LDTC
Simon Lee, Buzz Aldrin, Custodian
Deborah Maher, Northeast, Grade 5 Teacher
Rosalind Marshall Thompson, Glenfield, MathTeacher
Sandra McKnight, Watchung, Technology Teacher
Lissa Missaggia, MHS, Science Teacher
Consuelo Ortiz, Buzz Aldrin, Math Teacher
Barbara Parker, MHS, Paraprofessional
Louis Racioppe, MHS, Teacher of English
Anne Riordan, Edgemont, School Nurse
Frances Russo, Bradford, Paraprofessional
William Strauss, Buzz Aldrin, Music Teacher
Judith Towery, Hillside, Technology Teacher
Stephen Vallillo, MHS, Drama Teacher
Richard Vandenbos, Hillside, Head Custodian
Debbie Ventura, Watchung, Paraprofessional
Honey Walia, Northeast, Global Studies Teacher
John Warren, Watchung, Custodian
Jennette Williams, Edgemont, Teacher