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Kings Park Board honors retirees whose combined service totals 367 years
Summary
At its June 3 meeting the Kings Park Central School District board held a retirement recognition honoring dozens of staff; speakers highlighted a combined 367 years of service and dedicated individual tributes, including naming a middle‑school library media center after Deputy Superintendent Ralph J. Cartesano.
KINGS PARK, N.Y. — The Kings Park Central School District Board of Education opened its June 3 meeting with a retirement recognition that the board said honored staff whose combined service totals 367 years.
The ceremony recognized more than a dozen retiring staff members from across the district, with administrators and board members describing long careers in classrooms, offices, athletic departments and student health services.
“Your early mornings, long days, and quiet acts of kindness,” said Dr. Craig, speaking at the event, “Each of you has helped [make Kings Park] a place where students can learn, grow, and thrive.” The board president also thanked retirees’ families for their support during long careers.
District speakers singled out several employees by name and role. Deputy Superintendent Ralph J. Cartesano was described as having served the district for nearly three decades; the board on May 13 unanimously approved naming the William T. Rogers Middle School library media center the “Doctor Ralph J. Cartesano Library Media Center.” Ellie Baxter was recognized for a 25‑year career as a 1‑to‑1 aide; Susan Simon was honored for long service as a principal’s secretary at William T. Rogers Middle School; Gina Roberts was noted for almost 20 years as a nurse; Barbara Petrino was recognized for 29 years in the high school athletic office; and Dr. Rosalia Scafidi was praised for her world‑language instruction and for leading programs such as the Seal of Biliteracy and dual‑enrollment courses.
Presenters also noted other retirees who worked as secretaries, aides and classroom teachers and described their roles in student supervision, attendance, purchase‑order processing and extracurricular programs. Several speakers referenced district publications and programs — including Kaleidoscope, the district’s student literary and arts publication — as part of retirees’ legacies.
After remarks the board recessed briefly for group photos and to allow retirees to celebrate, then returned to conduct regular business matters later in the meeting.
The recognition was ceremonial; no board action was required to honor the retirees during the June 3 meeting.
