Caldwell-West Caldwell board honors retiring nurses, teachers and long-serving staff

The Caldwell-West Caldwell Board of Education recognized district retirees and staff milestone anniversaries during its regular public meeting on June 16 at James Caldwell High School.

Board members and administrators read tributes to long-serving employees including school nurse Mary Ann Rivera, social studies teacher Julie Hohman and music teacher Elsie Timpson, and acknowledged others who were not present. The district said these employees together represent decades of service to students across Caldwell and West Caldwell.

Mary Ann Rivera was honored for a career that began on an infectious disease floor at a Perth Amboy hospital, included time at a local pediatric office with Dr. Arthur DiLorenzo, and extensive service in district schools including Jefferson, Harrison and Wilson. A speaker noted Rivera served as district nursing coordinator during the COVID-19 pandemic and is the parent of three James Caldwell High School graduates: “Most importantly, Mary Anne is the proud parent of three JCHS graduates,” the speaker said.

Julie Hohman was recognized for about 27 years in the Caldwell-West Caldwell district and more than 31 years in the classroom. A colleague’s note read at the meeting praised Hohman’s demanding academic standards and her role in teaching students to think critically. The note concluded: “She taught me that it was okay to be wrong sometimes as long as I worked hard and always strived to be better.” The district said Hohman’s Holocaust and genocide elective is a lasting part of the high school curriculum.

Elsie Timpson was honored for 19 years with the district and about 30 years of teaching. Speakers described Timpson as a “musician and educator of the highest caliber” and noted her influence across elementary and secondary classrooms. A colleague, Will Downey, was quoted describing how Timpson mentored him early in his career and helped him learn general music instruction techniques.

The board also acknowledged retirees who were not in attendance, including Steven Birnbaum (mathematics), Robin Kyle (special education) and others. Board members read a formal statement thanking all retirees and milestone staff for “service, compassion, commitment, and excellence” to district students.

The recognitions were part of a broader meeting that included routine votes on minutes and agenda items and public comment. The board closed the tributes by wishing retirees “joy, peace, and new adventures” and encouraging milestone staff to continue their service.