Levittown Board honors new tenured teachers and long-serving retirees; teacher credited with saving a student recognized

The Levittown Board of Education used its May 21 special meeting to recognize newly tenured staff and retirees across the district and to single out a staff member credited with saving a pupil's life.

Northside Elementary principal Frank Mortellaro recounted an April 2 classroom emergency in which a student began choking. Mortellaro said the student's paraprofessional and Chance Freeman acted quickly: Mortellaro described Freeman's response as jumping over a table, clearing chairs, evacuating other students from the sightline, and administering two Heimlich thrusts to dislodge a grape. Mortellaro relayed the pupil's later words: "Mr. Freeman, thank you for saving my life."

Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Debbie Rifkin led the recognition of newly tenured teachers and retirees, congratulating staff who completed induction and portfolio requirements. Rifkin read a long list of tenured educators from across the district, including Dina Felter, Andrea Ferrari, Tiffany Sarris and others, and recognized several retirees from multiple buildings. Meeting remarks noted that the retirees honored this year have collectively served the district for 964 years.

Superintendent Winch and building principals offered tributes to individual retirees and tenured staff, naming longtime educators and support staff from Abby Lane, MacArthur High School, Northside, Salk and Wisdom Lane, among others. Speakers praised teachers' and staff members' patience, dedication and impact on students during repeated references to decades of service.

The meeting also included a tribute to Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Beth Zarianas for her leadership since 2022 and concluded recognitions with refreshments for those honored.

The recognition ceremony preceded the board's business session, which included the certification of the May 21 election results and the adoption of routine consent items.