Deptford board approves multiple retirements, resignations and new hires

The Deptford Township Board of Education approved a broad slate of personnel actions at its Oct. 14 meeting, including retirements, resignations, terminations, hires, promotions and leaves of absence.

Key approvals: The board accepted retirements effective Jan. 1, 2026 for Patricia Huff (nurse), James Willis (teacher), Lisa Keenan (paraprofessional) and Michelle Casale (teacher). The board also recorded several resignations and terminations with effective dates in September and October 2025; the board offered condolences on the passing of Bus Aide Debra Bosler-Feaster and teacher Barbara DiLorenzo.

Hiring and promotions: The board approved multiple hires and long-term substitute placements—including Elise Labbree, Amy Zuidema, Amber McNally, Gianna Hennessy and others—subject to criminal-history clearance and paperwork. Promotions approved included Bella Paciocco to Spartan Care Lead and Leigh Brown to vice principal at Deptford High School; Angela Tedesco was approved for Curriculum Supervisor/Vice Principal.

Leaves and staffing adjustments: The board approved a detailed table of leaves (medical, maternity, intermittent caregiving) and several transfers (for example, Chelsea Morgenweck to Special Education paraprofessional at Shady Lane Elementary). The board also approved a list of substitute teachers and volunteer advisors for clubs and extracurricular programs.

Process and votes: Personnel motions were moved, seconded and approved on the superintendent’s recommendation; roll-call votes were recorded as 6-0 on the relevant motions.

Next steps: Individual hires remain contingent on completion of background checks and paperwork as noted in the board materials. The board also approved some rescindments of prior personnel motions listed in the packet.