Taconic Hills board grants tenure to five educators

The Taconic Hills Board of Education on Wednesday approved tenure for five district educators, commending their classroom work, leadership roles and commitments to student supports.

District leaders presented each nomination in turn. A presenter said the board was “very excited to recommend Sofia for tenure,” describing her as a kindergarten teacher who has completed microcredentials and used science-of-reading practices with “the tiniest of titans.” The board approved the motion to grant tenure to Sophia Caldwell by voice vote.

Administrators also introduced Michelle Deaton, a third-grade reading teacher praised for her four years of literacy instruction; Hannah Harris, an early-intervention reading specialist noted for progress monitoring and assessment practices; school counselor Nicholas Juricado, credited with leadership among the counseling team and expanding counselors’ roles; and Gabrielle Mattson, recognized for growing confidence and leadership working with seventh-grade students. Each nomination was moved, seconded and approved during the meeting.

Why it matters: Tenure decisions are a formal personnel action that confirm classroom teachers’ continuing appointments and typically follow multi-year evaluations. Board members and administrators used the meeting to highlight concrete instructional practices (microcredentials, literacy interventions, SEL screening) and leadership roles that informed their recommendations.

The board presented certificates to the newly tenured staff and invited them to join a group photo; the meeting proceeded to a strategic-plan update and other agenda business following the recognitions.