Education Officials Praise Retiring School Nurse

Education officials recognized long-time school nurse Karen Fitzgerald during the school board meeting Thursday night when board members accepted her resignation. She is retiring at the end of the school year.

Principal Mary Ferreri spoke about Fitzgerald during the meeting. Fitzgerald spent the last three years of her 20-year career in the district at George School.

"Karen is one of the most caring and kind, organized and nicest people to work with," Ferreri said. "I think one of the best things she brings to the table is her sense of calmness to any situation. Whether you're a student with an emergency medical issue or a parent or a staff member with a health concern, she just has a way of keeping things calm and making you feel good and making everyone feel a little less anxious with whatever the situation is."

Board of Education members also had praise for Fitzgerald. Darlene Mandeville said she was "greatly saddened" to hear Fitzgerald was leaving the district. Roberta Hanlon said a school nurse like Fitzgerald is an important job for many reasons, including being a resource for children who might not feel comfortable talking to a teacher.

Board member Barbara Gregory told Fitzgerald her granddaughter greatly respected her abilities and wouldn't allow her to touch a bandage Fitzgerald had affixed.

Board member Joseph Blundo joked that Fitzgerald probably had the strongest immune system in the room and is probably looking forward to not being exposed to every cold, flu and virus the students get.

Superintendent Geoffrey Zoeller said, "On behalf of the entire school district, on behalf of the board, on behalf of our faculty and staff, your colleagues and most importantly the hundreds and potentially thousands of children you touched, thank you."

All wished Fitzgerald a happy retirement and gave Fitzgerald a standing ovation.

Fitzgerald said deciding to retire was very difficult. "I love my job. I had 17 great years at and three wonderful years at George School," she said, joking that after hearing all the praise she would withdraw her application for retirement. "Thank you for allowing me to serve this district for 20 wonderful years."