Wayne Board honors more than a dozen retiring staff members

The Wayne Board of Education used its March 20 meeting to honor more than a dozen district employees who are retiring. Board members read prepared tributes for staff across roles — including classroom teachers, paraprofessionals, van aides, and long-serving program directors — and thanked them for years of service to Wayne students.

Among those recognized were Lorraine Bender Greinets (25 years), Joseph Turzo (25 years), Vicky Ryder (30 years), Alan Geel (noted as a long-serving physical-education teacher and coach), Josephine Vigorito (more than 15 years as a van aide and playground aide), Giovana Zeissa (27 years), Michelle Hughes (33 years, elementary band director), and Matt Paterno (35 years noted at Wayne Hills). Speakers highlighted individual contributions — mentoring, program leadership, and community-building — and the board extended best wishes for retirement.

The recognitions followed earlier budget business and comments; the board and public used the occasion to thank staff for service during a period the administration described as fiscally challenging.