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Oradell names Kristen Terzano educator of the year; board and students honor retiring staff
Summary
The Oradell Board of Education honored staff milestones and named Kristen Terzano the district educator of the year; tributes celebrated retirees Joan Novak and Heidi O’Keefe and long-serving teacher Tracy (name read variably in the transcript).
The Oradell Board of Education on Tuesday recognized staff milestones and named Kristen Terzano the district’s educator of the year, then paid tribute to several retiring employees.
Chair opened the evening as a staff-recognition night, calling up employees who reached 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 years of service to receive certificates and photos. “This is our favorite night of the year where we recognize our staff,” the Chair said.
The board presented the district’s educator award and certificate to Kristen Terzano. Colleagues and students described Terzano as a mentor and an everyday champion for children. “She celebrates not just the final success, but every single effort made along the way,” one colleague said, praising Terzano’s work with kindergarten students and her consistent support for colleagues and families.
Students and former students also spoke. A current student said Terzano “makes me feel better when going to school,” while a former student now in ninth grade recalled Terzano’s role in making the school feel like a second home and thanked her for years of mentorship.
The board also read resolutions honoring retirees. Joan Novak was recognized for eight years as a nurse aide, with colleagues saying she brought “dedication, professionalism, and a wonderful sense of humor” to the nurse’s office. Heidi O’Keefe was honored for 40 years of service; multiple speakers described her as a steady presence, intervention-team organizer and mentor.
The board read a resolution for a long-serving teacher identified in the agenda and remarks as Tracy (the transcript contains multiple spellings of the surname). Former students and colleagues delivered extended tributes describing the retiree’s leadership with Odyssey of the Mind and a decades-long influence on students’ creativity and confidence.
After the presentations the board took a short recess and resumed business with the superintendent’s report and routine agenda items.
The meeting continues with committee and administrative business.
