Nanuet Faculty, Staff Receive Tenure

Other than the election, Tuesday was a big night for some of the Nanuet Schools’ faculty and administration. Several received Tenure and Steve Schlanger's position was changed from Assistant Superintendent to Deputy Superintendent, which will have similar duties. His new title goes into effect July 1.

“It’s a nice honor and recognition. It’s been my pleasure to serve the Nanuet community,” said Schlanger.

Three years ago, when Ed Furman announced he was resigning, Schlanger left the position of Highview Principal to take Furman’s place as assistant superintendent. However, his transition was a challenge because soon after assuming his new position, he was faced with several mandates.

“A months later, he was … going over a power point, which helped lead the board to the adoption of its new mission statement. A short time later, the settlement with Pfizer hit, followed by a change in the cut scores and the state (changing) the testing program,” said Superintendent Mark McNeill, adding that Schlanger soon was faced with the state’s Race to the Top and APPR programs and the legislature’s 2 percent tax levy cap.

“I was just so fortunate that this leader that came up from Highview was there to take on this position and allow us to go through these turbulent times in the most effective way possible. He had a tremendous role in the Outdoor Education Center,” continued McNeill.

After Furman’s resignation, there was a domino effect with Schlanger filling Furman’s position and Barbara Auriemma stepping up to fill Schlanger’s position as Highview Elementary Principal.

“In Nanuet, we like to find leaders from within. Steve moved up to the assistant superintendent position. Barbara had already been the elementary assistant principal and the Director of K-12 Assessment and Evaluation,” said McNeill. “Highview has always been a very welcoming and nurturing building and it didn’t skip a beat … in terms of the transition from Steve to Barbara.”

Auriemma received Tenure at Tuesday night’s Teacher Tenure Reception.

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“She has such an expertise and knowledge on data and using data … Highview teachers and staff have identified … and organized programs and schedules around multiple measures. (She and her staff) have a good handle on how to move the district forward.”

“The Highview staff makes my job easy,” said Auriemma. “No matter how old you are, tenure night is very special. I’m very proud to be part of the Nanuet community.”

Anne Chen also received tenure. McNeill explained that Chen moved from being a Miller Elementary teacher to her current position: Elementary Assistant Principal and Director of K-12 Assessment and Evaluation

“You’re not going to find anyone more thoughtful, quiet, but has much to contribute. What’s unique about Nanuet … it’s a small district so we can all meet regularly … (Auriemma and Chen) put the issues on the table and look for the best solution Anne is that thoughtful contributor,” said McNeill. “The state is making a lot of changes with testing. Next year, it may be all online scoring … We have somebody who very confidently is helping us get through this morass of new state testing that is taking place.”

“It’s an honor to be a part of this school district,” said Chen.

The following teachers were also granted tenure:

• Ellen O'Rourke, Special Education Teacher
• Allison Ammirati, Science Teacher
• Cheryl Kuhn, Teaching Assistant 
• Jeanne Carbone, Teaching Assistant

"It's a big milestone, and was a lot of hard work.  I love the school district,” said Ammirati. “I love being recognized for my hard work."

“We know that it’s very hard to achieve tenure. We’re really proud to do this (Teacher Tenure Reception night),” said School Board President Anne Byrne. “It’s wonderful to see all the staff here recognizing their peers and their principals … In Nanuet, we’re all like family.”

The board also mentioned that Alex Fung was granted tenure and is now receiving his certificate.