Hastings Schools Infused With New Blood, New Leader

The Hastings-on-Hudson Board of Education unanimously approved Timothy P. Connors as Interim Superintendent of Schools for the 2010-11 school year during a public board meeting Monday.  Connors, who served as Superintendent of White Plains Schools from 2001-2009, will replace Dr. Robert Shaps, who will assume the role of Superintendent in Mamaroneck.

Connors comes to Hastings with 35 years of experience in education, having begun his career as a teacher of civics and economics. "It is great to come to a district that takes such pride in academic achievement," Connors said. 

Entering as superintendent during such a difficult economic year for public schools did not seem to faze Connors.  "All superintendents must be financially prudent," he said. "They must provide students with the best education possible, while still being sensitive to the taxpayers' financial burden."

Beginning July 1, Connors said he planned to keep the channels of communication open, making himself readily available to discuss educational and financial concerns with members of the community.

"I will make myself visible," Connors said. "I'll be in my office and around the community."

Also recognized Monday were teachers leaving the district after years of service and new teachers entering.  In fact, the board had ordered two cakes: one that said "welcome" and the other "goodbye." 

Incoming teachers were presented to the board for approval either by building principals or department chairs—and not one introduction could be described as anything but glowing.

"We had a huge applicant pool for every one of these jobs," Gail Kipper, Farragut Middle School Principal, said. "The candidates were probably more qualified than ever in the past."

Hillside Principal Laura Sullivan first introduced Stacey Gitelman, an incoming elementary school teacher, setting the tone for the evening.

"During the interview Stacey approached the panel of interviewers and said, 'I just love this!'" Sullivan recounted.  "We knew we had to have her."

Next approved was Arinna Grassia as a library media specialist.  Working most recently at the Dobbs Ferry Library, Grassia told the board, "I am very exited to work in Hastings. I feel it is a chance to enhance the middle and high school library programs."

Katherine Magnatta, another elementary teacher, was presented by Sullivan who said, "Katherine shared a heartwarming story during her interview about how a family member who struggles through school inspired her to become a teacher." 

Hillside will also welcome Jamie Nedwick next year. "Hastings seems like a family," Nedwick said. "It seems like a great place to work."

World Language department chair, Marilyn DeRubeis introduced Katie Sellick as a high school Spanish teacher. "Katie really lives the language," DeRubeis sad. "She has studied in Madrid and Buenos Aires and she podcast from the jungles of Nicaragua." This summer Sellick will take part in a Fulbright Grant-funded teaching exchange in Uruguay.

Also teaching Spanish next year is Mark Sernatinger, who comes to Hastings with an impressive and varied resume.  Another teacher described as living the Spanish language, Sernatinger told the board, "I want to how young people in Hastings how learning a foreign language can make a huge impact on their lives."

The final incoming teacher the board approved was Rebecca Starr, an elementary special education instructor, who according to her introduction set-up a "Very Hungry Caterpillar obstacle course" for students during her demo lesson. "I saw incredible potential in all the kids in the communications class," she said.

Other roles approved for next year were: Samantha Stahl, physical education; Jeffrey Rosof, technology; Lori Mackay, a language pathologist; Elizabeth Zuck, a psychologist, Jessica Balun, substitute teacher; and Katie Jo Passero, substitute teacher. 

In a separate ceremony organized by the Hastings PTSA, retiring teachers were recognized for their combined 385 years of dedicated service. 

Teachers retiring this year were: Judy Asher, 30 years; Linda Azif, 21 years; Ken Barrios, 22 years; Pam Coren, 21 years; Renee Ertischek, 21 years; Adam Fennel, 40 years; Leigh Galanis, 25 years; Janet Harrington, 21 years; Susan Kinnally, 30 years; Brian McGuinness, 40 years; John Morabito, 41 years; Mary Ellen Usher, 5 years; Gail Watkins, 5 years and Gail Wegner, 34 years.