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South Plainfield School District honors longtime staff and educators at retiree recognition
Summary
School and district leaders honored more than a dozen retiring staff — from bus aides and instructional aides to veteran teachers and specialists — highlighting decades of service and the roles many played in special education, reading intervention and science instruction.
The South Plainfield School District on Monday honored more than a dozen retiring staff members from across its schools, praising decades of service that district leaders said shaped generations of students.
Dr. Mary Melissa, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, opened the program by recognizing Nancy Smith, who retired after 25 years with the district. "Nancy, you did amazing things here and you are so missed," Dr. Melissa said, recounting Smith's progression from a duty aide to teacher's aide and Franklin School secretary and noting a bench dedicated to her at the school's entrance.
Lisa Cook, the district's supervisor of transportation, recognized Susan Loy Kono, a school bus aide, thanking her for her care and wishing her well in retirement. Kevin McCann, principal of Grant School, named Sue Desmond among those retiring from his building, thanking her for years of service.
John Fiscolo, principal of South Plainfield High School, introduced the high school's retirees, including Kathy Dory, a long-serving duty aide; Sharon McGrath, who taught special education and helped lead the district's "Tomorrow's Teacher" program; Dr. Karen Weiner, an AP biology teacher; Joe Perry, a science teacher who led anatomy and physiology; and Gail Petrio, a speech therapist who worked across district buildings. Fiscolo described each retiree's contributions to student learning and to department programs.
At Kennedy School, Dr. Haidok recognized Grace Campazero, an instructional aide who spent 25 years supporting students receiving special education services, and Anne Brown (also referenced in the remarks as Anne Johnson), the district reading specialist who mentored teachers and led targeted reading strategies for struggling students.
Middle School Principal Shanti Murray honored Marilyn Carney, who spent roughly five decades teaching science; Eileen Stellacis, a special education teacher; and Emily Bashara, an honors science instructor. A final presenter highlighted Margaret Selantano's 38-year career, noting her long service as a classroom teacher, a move to different grade levels over time, and 27 years as a building union representative.
Speakers repeatedly emphasized the retirees' long-term mentorship, instructional leadership and personal connections to the community. The program included expressions of gratitude from principals and district administrators and closed with thanks to all retiring staff and best wishes for their next chapters.
