Roxbury Township School District honors educators, support staff and retirees at May board meeting

The Roxbury Township School District celebrated educators and support staff at its May board meeting, recognizing teachers and educational service professionals of the year at each school and honoring dozens of retirees.

Paul Gallagher, principal of Eisenhower Middle School, introduced EMS's educator of the year, Karen Volk, and ESP of the year, Lori Zelman, praising their “unquestioned professionalism, dedication, and commitment to the service of our students and great community,” and reading nominations from colleagues and students. Principals from Lincoln Roosevelt, Jefferson, Franklin, Nixon and Kennedy schools likewise introduced their staff honorees, highlighting classroom leadership, counseling, and special-services work.

Bill Crespino, principal of Roxbury High School, and performing-arts staff also recognized a group of students who earned honors-ensemble placements this year; the district reported 44 students had earned a combined 87 honors-ensemble recognitions across district, state and regional programs. The board named several students and faculty for individual achievements, including a student recipient of a county scholarship.

The board dedicated a segment of the meeting to retirees. Administrators called up long-serving staff across multiple departments'including special-education teachers, paraprofessionals, bus drivers and school nurses'and invited them forward for recognition and photographs. Speakers emphasized the retirees' years of service and encouraged them to return as substitutes when possible.

The recognition portion closed with the superintendent and board thanking staff and volunteers for the district's work and community engagement.

The board adjourned the awards portion and proceeded to routine business later in the agenda.