Board Sings Praises at Superintendent's Final Meeting [VIDEO]

Tuesday's  meeting may have been the last one Mary Louise Malyska will attend as superintendent, but that didn't mean she wasn't prepared for business, nonetheless.

Dr. Malyska updated board members on the status of curriculum updates underway, as well as taking time to note the recent school graduation and move-up ceremonies.

After her report, the board read a lengthy proclamation detailing Dr. Malyska's achievements in the six years she lead the district—including setting a technology plan, invigorating the PTO and Watchung Education Foundation, and cooking meals for teacher appreciation days.

"I want to thank you for adopting us, because that's what you did," board President Charles Neiss said. "You had an emotional interest in the outcome of every student and it showed in the test scores."

Other members shared memories, such as when Dr. Malyska attended an elaborate breakfast meeting before her hiring, and confided to board member Kathleen Caldas that she "really wanted this job."   

Dr. Malyska said she did have friends living in Watchung before she was named superintendent, and knew "what the board stood for."

"I just want to sum up by saying my years here have been gift," she said. "You've always been open-minded, you've always been caring and you've always given 50 percent—and that's a recipe for success."

Dr. Malyska's last day will be Friday; she will be replaced as superintendent by Valley View School Principal Barbara Resko.