Three Long-Time District Employees Retire

Members of the accepted three retirements Thursday night from long-time district employees. They recognized the women for their service and wished them luck in retirement.

math teacher Joyce Woods, who has worked in the district for 15 years, said it was sad to leave, but she had "other mountains to climb."

"I've loved every minute in the classroom," Woods said. "Thank you very much for this wonderful experience and I'm grateful for having the opportunity to work with all the children."

Members of the board and administrators had nothing but praise for Woods, who teaches sixth grade math.

Director of Elementary Education Rory McCourt said Woods is a great professional and a wonderful person. "I want this board to recognize that when we lose Joyce Woods we do lose an exemplary teacher who will be very hard to replace," he said.

Westwood Regional Middle School Principal Charles Seipp, who is a former math teacher, said Woods is a great math teacher and her departure will leave the school with "enormous shoes to fill."

Board members also accepted the retirement of Esther Schnaittacher, a speech therapist in the district for more than 15 years.

Principal Mary Ferreri said anyone who observed Schnaittacher could see how much she enjoys working with children. She added that Schnaittacher made speech sessions so fun for students that they didn't realize they were working.

Board members Darlene Mandeville and Joseph Blundo said they had children who worked with Schnaittacher and both said their children enjoyed their time with her. They also said Schnaittacher's methods helped their children.

Schnaittacher said her time in the district has "been a pleasure."

The last retirement approved Thursday was that of middle school secretary Catherine MacRae who has worked in the district for nearly 28 years.

"We're losing an institution in our district, someone who loves her community, the schools and her job," McCourt said.

Several board members commented that the position of secretary at a school is very important and MacRae excelled at helping parents as well as administrators.

School board member Roberta Hanlon said MacRae always greeted people with a smile, while Vice President Paul Liddy said she offered people the "Ritz Carlton experience" in customer service at the middle school.

"Thanks for the privilege of working here all these years," MacRae said. "I have a lot of happy memories."

In addition to praising Woods, Schnaittacher and MacRae, school board members also recognized the other members of the district who have retired or are retiring at the end of the school year. Dennis Covello, Patricia Eckel, Regina Egan, Karen Fitzgerald, Margarta Grande, James Harris, Judith Horowitz, MacRae, Patrick McGowan, Schnaittacher and Woods all received certificates.