Summit board honors retirees and community partners at year‑end meeting

The Summit Public School District Board of Education opened its June 11 meeting with a series of recognitions for retirees and community partners, drawing standing applause from educators, families and board members.

Superintendent Scott Huff and Principal Grimaldi led tributes for a slate of long‑serving staff. At Summit High School, Wendy Donut was honored for 35 years teaching history and social studies; colleagues praised her instructional leadership, mentorship and longstanding presence in the history department. Colleagues also recognized Winnie for years of advising student council and other extracurricular roles. Dan Healy and others highlighted Diane’s 40‑year career in special education, including 14 years at Jefferson Elementary, and praised her detailed individualized education work and advocacy for students. Randi Katz was acknowledged for 25 years of service and consistent academic rigor at Jefferson.

Board members and the superintendent also read a list of other retirees, including custodians, aides, nurses and teachers across district schools and asked the audience to join in recognition. The board invited each retiree and representatives from partner organizations to join the superintendent for photographs.

Vice President Carlos Mahega led a public recognition of community partners that support the district’s extracurricular and operational work, naming a broad set of contributors including Pomptonian Food Service, the Summit Educational Foundation, the Summit Free Public Library, the Summit Fire Department and Summit Rescue Squad. The board presented certificates of appreciation and invited partners for a group photo with district leaders.

The meeting closed the recognition portion and moved to the business agenda, with board leaders noting that June’s session acts as an annual year‑end reset ahead of summer and the coming school year.