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Wayne board honors retirees, hears student reports and farewells at December meeting
Summary
At the Dec. 18 Wayne Township Board meeting the board recognized retiring staff, two departing board members gave farewell remarks, student representatives reported achievements and charitable drives, and the board adopted a proclamation marking the U.S. 250th anniversary.
The Wayne Township Board of Education opened its Dec. 18 meeting with seasonal student performances, recognized retiring staff and took time to hear farewell remarks from two departing board members.
Teacher Liz Mercenio introduced the Chamber Choir and described the ensemble as an auditioned honors class; a strings ensemble representative also spoke about recent community performances and upcoming pieces. The board read a proclamation commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States and urged integration of civic instruction into district curriculum.
The board recognized staff retirements. A tribute described Janine Arnold’s 10 years at Wayne Hills and earlier career at MetLife; Maria Rogalski was honored for nine years with the district, beginning as a part-time custodian and becoming a full-time custodian at Wayne Valley High School.
Departing board member Matt Giordano delivered extended remarks reflecting on public service, urging civility, empathy and practical focus. ‘‘I was never good at running for office, but I can dare say that I was good at doing the job once I got there,’’ Giordano said, and offered the board ‘‘three E’s’’ — economics, effort and ego — as considerations for decision-makers.
Student representatives reported winter sports results and community service: Wayne Valley announced athletic starts, staff awards and fundraising drives including a student-council gift-card drive due Dec. 22; Wayne Hills reported more than 17,000 food items collected, more than $10,000 in grocery-store gift cards donated, over $3,000 raised in penny wars and several community outreach visits to senior centers and food pantries, plus student college acceptances and Governor's School nominations.
Adrian Sterling introduced himself during public comment as area manager for the aftercare program Rite at School and gave his contact details; there were no policy-focused public objections. The board closed the meeting by welcoming incoming members Joe Agnes and Keith Haman, who will begin their terms in January, and then adjourned for the holidays.
The meeting included a mix of ceremonial recognitions and routine business; the board also approved a separate resolution asking state officials to permit remote instruction on two special-election days (Feb. 5 and April 16).
