Yorktown board approves tenure for dozens of staff after recognition ceremony

The Yorktown Central School District Board of Education on May 11 approved tenure appointments for a large group of classroom and support staff following a recognition ceremony that highlighted candidates from every school in the district.

Superintendent Dr. Hatter opened the event by describing the district’s rigorous probationary process and the expectations for tenured staff, telling recipients, "respect our children" and praising their professional growth. Principals from Brookside, Mohansic, Crown Pond, Mildred E. Strang Middle School (MESMS), Yorktown High School and district administrators recommended candidates and outlined each nominee’s contributions to students and colleagues.

The recommendations named dozens of employees by school and role, including certified teaching assistants, classroom teachers, social workers, speech and language therapists, school psychologists and building administrators. The superintendent emphasized the multi-year review that includes annual summative evaluations and multiple formal observations, and noted the importance of professional growth and respect for the district’s work and brand.

Board president Miss R. moved to appoint the individuals recommended by the superintendent; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. One board member recused from the personnel vote because a relative was among the tenure recipients, and that recusal was recorded before the vote.

Following the vote the board took a brief recess and then continued with the rest of the agenda.

The board’s action formalizes the superintendent and principals’ recommendations; appointments take effect following the board’s approval and per district procedures.