Tenure Granted to 12 Yorktown School Employees

The Yorktown School Board celebrated the recognition of tenure for 12 district employees, including nine teachers and teaching assistants, during a May 24 gathering at the Mildred E. Strang Middle School cafeteria.

Superintendent Ralph Napolitano said he wanted to send two messages:  first, that people are given talents, values and gifts, but it is how they are used that can make a difference in the world. Then he said people should not allow their busy lives to get in the way of responding to those in need of help, kindness, and compassion.

"It's a little overwhelming because it's a big responsibility being trusted with the education of all the children," said Coleen Miraglia, who teaches English to non-native speakers in kindergarten through 12^th grade.

Napolitano addressed some teachers individually and spoke about the way they have made a difference in the classroom. 

"It's a huge sense of accomplishment after all the work that we do for the kids," said Lucia Niemczynowicz, who teaches Italian in grades 7-12.

Julie Panzer, who teaches in grades 7-12, said that receiving tenure gives her a sense of pride and accomplishment.

"For me being a Spanish teacher, I get to be their first," she said. "It's really fun to open their eyes. At the end of the year, when they can speak Spanish, I've had something to do with it.

Panzer's brother Jim, who is a teacher in the Katonah-Lewisboro school district, attended the ceremony.

"The superintendent spoke very well and inspired all teachers to stay great for future generations," he said.

Among others to receive tenure were: Lisa O'Shea, elementary principal; Leo Sposato, director of communications; John Tierney, English; Jennifer Bianco, Spanish; Alana DiMucci, Spanish; Amalia Connolly, school media specialist; Juliana Quinn, assistant teacher; Tauri O'Brien, assistant teacher; and Andrea Corrado Palumbo, assistant teacher.