Kings Park honors teachers of the year, names Duke Derland district Teacher of the Year; robotics team cleared to attend world championship

The Kings Park Central School District used part of its April 21 meeting to celebrate staff and student accomplishments, recognizing school‑level Teachers of the Year and a districtwide honoree before returning to routine business.

Superintendent Dr. Egan described the district’s participation in the New York State Teacher of the Year program and said five school winners were chosen; Mr. Duke Derland of Kings Park High School was named the districtwide Teacher of the Year. Multiple principals spoke in praise of their honorees’ classroom impact and leadership. "We are so proud of all five," Dr. Egan said as presenters called up individual teachers to be recognized.

The board also individually recognized a large cohort of teachers receiving tenure this year. Principals highlighted examples of classroom practice and leadership from tenure recipients across elementary and secondary schools, noting work in literacy, special education, library/media, and performing arts.

Student achievements and activities were featured earlier in the meeting. Student board member Valentina reported that elementary classes completed New York State ELA testing, Parkview held a successful science fair, coding instruction led to student-created computer games (parents invited April 30 to view projects), and school fundraising raised more than $1,780 for special classes and sensory room items. She also highlighted the robotics team’s season: "We will represent New York and hope to compete in the elimination tournament," she said, noting the team’s regional successes and rankings (third in New York State, 27th in the U.S., and 34th worldwide).

The board approved the robotics team’s request to travel to the FIRST Robotics Competition World Championship in Houston (April 28–May 3, ~24 students) by voice vote, and it approved a senior trip to the 9/11 Memorial Museum on May 20.

Why it mattered

The recognitions put a spotlight on educator effectiveness and continuity of programs as the district finalizes its budget. The robotics team’s approved travel follows a season of competitive placements and will take students to a major national and international event.

What’s next

Teacher and tenure recognitions will be followed by photos and campus celebrations; the robotics team will finalize travel logistics ahead of their late‑April departure. Parents and community members were reminded of upcoming concerts and the district’s May calendar.