Cold Spring Harbor recognizes retirees and approves tenure recommendations for multiple educators

The Cold Spring Harbor Board of Education honored multiple retiring employees and approved tenure recommendations for several educators during its monthly meeting.

Superintendent Jill Girosh and building leaders presented tenure recommendations for candidates including Dan Buske (recommended for tenure as principal), Michelle Novelli (kindergarten teacher, Goose Hill), Jamie Hanick (special education teacher, Goose Hill) and Alyssa Powell (reading support teacher, Lloyd Harbor). "I wholeheartedly endorse his appointment for tenure and urge the Board of Education to approve his continued service as principal," the superintendent said in recommending Dan Buske.

The board moved to take all tenure recommendations on page 2 as a slate; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

The meeting also included remarks recognizing a large group of retirees: Nancy Fostuca, Marty Glynn, Donna Gertkowski (nurse), Jean Luna, Valerie Massimo (former Lloyd Harbor leader), Pat McHugh (maintenance mechanic), Dr. Wendy Moss (school psychologist), Paul Smith (custodian) and Doris Pesato (teacher aide), among others. Administrators read career highlights and invited retirees to join the stage for photographs and a reception.

Why it matters: tenure confers continuing appointment status for classroom educators within the district; retiree recognition highlights institutional memory and staffing transitions heading into next school year. The board did not discuss contested personnel actions in public at the meeting.