The end of the school year will mark the end of successful careers for 18 staff members in the North Bellmore School District. The board of education honored its departing teachers and support staff at their June 13 meeting for their steadfast devotion to children.

The 18 retirees collectively totaled 484 years of service. Their time in North Bellmore spanned from a decade to nearly 40 years. Superintendent Marie Testa commended them for their hard work and dedication in support of the district’s mission and vision. She said their careers will be remembered for the love they showed students.

“All that you did for children will come back to you,” Ms. Testa told the retirees as she wished them happy and healthy retirements. There were also congratulatory remarks from North Bellmore Teachers Association President Joann Signorelli and North Bellmore Paraprofessionals Association President Lisa Basbin.

Retiring teachers include Gayle Angert (24 years), Desiree Behr (25 years), Tim Byrne (33 years), Chris DaRold (32 years), Celeste Diogo (38 years), Dana Hirsch (37 years), Laura Horvath (34 years), Jean Patterson (21 years), Robyn McClellan (20 years), Christine South (23 years) and Kristin Sturniolo (31 years).

Support staff included Laurie Weintraub (34 years) from the Prevention Department, paraprofessionals Maryann Adams (25 years), Geralyn Delaney (20 years), Sandra Goldsmith (22 years), Lynn Paolillo (23 years) and Rose Salerno (10 years), and custodian Joseph Lombardo (32 years).

Each month, sixth grade leaders from one of the five elementary schools begins the board meeting with a presentation. This month, student speakers from John G. Dinkelmeyer Elementary School paid tribute to the retirees, before the presentations to honor each individual began.

Date Added: 6/18/2024