Oceanside board celebrates new tenured educators and approves placements
May 07, 2026 | OCEANSIDE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, School Districts, New York
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The Oceanside Union Free School District honored a cohort of educators at its May 6 board meeting and voted to approve their placement on tenure.
Dr. Phyis Harrington opened the district's annual tenure celebration, describing the district's four-year tenure portfolio process as a ‘‘rigorous and intentional' program' that captures professional growth and impact.’’ A short video and individual recognitions followed, during which teachers and administrators came to the stage for applause and photographs.
Board members then approved a resolution, "on the recommendation of the superintendent of schools," to grant tenure to the listed professional staff who had completed their probationary periods. The board moved, seconded, and the motion passed by voice vote.
Those publicly recognized included Joanne Farrell (teaching assistant, School 6); Nicole Winters (special education, School 4); Megan Worera (special education, School 9); Michelle Taplan (dance, theater and visual arts, OS and MS); Nicholas Stur (school counselor, MS); Jake Spielberg (physical education, School 8); Maxanne Russo (early learning special education, School 6); Sarah Panabienko (school psychologist, School 3); Franchesco Wasserman (director of English and library media services); Matthew Blow (science, OS); Kate Mugno (director of elementary special education); and others.
Dr. Harrington told the room the candidates' tenure portfolios were "extraordinary" and framed tenure as evidence that the district seeks "great teachers by design, not by chance." Board members offered congratulations and later joined recipients for a short reception in the gymnasium.
Votes at a glance
- Tenure placements (resolution presented and approved): motion, second; outcome: approved (voice vote).
What happens next
The board's action is final as recorded at the meeting; tenure recipients and their guests proceeded to a brief reception. The district reiterated the importance of community recognition during Teacher Appreciation Week.
Dr. Phyis Harrington opened the district's annual tenure celebration, describing the district's four-year tenure portfolio process as a ‘‘rigorous and intentional' program' that captures professional growth and impact.’’ A short video and individual recognitions followed, during which teachers and administrators came to the stage for applause and photographs.
Board members then approved a resolution, "on the recommendation of the superintendent of schools," to grant tenure to the listed professional staff who had completed their probationary periods. The board moved, seconded, and the motion passed by voice vote.
Those publicly recognized included Joanne Farrell (teaching assistant, School 6); Nicole Winters (special education, School 4); Megan Worera (special education, School 9); Michelle Taplan (dance, theater and visual arts, OS and MS); Nicholas Stur (school counselor, MS); Jake Spielberg (physical education, School 8); Maxanne Russo (early learning special education, School 6); Sarah Panabienko (school psychologist, School 3); Franchesco Wasserman (director of English and library media services); Matthew Blow (science, OS); Kate Mugno (director of elementary special education); and others.
Dr. Harrington told the room the candidates' tenure portfolios were "extraordinary" and framed tenure as evidence that the district seeks "great teachers by design, not by chance." Board members offered congratulations and later joined recipients for a short reception in the gymnasium.
Votes at a glance
- Tenure placements (resolution presented and approved): motion, second; outcome: approved (voice vote).
What happens next
The board's action is final as recorded at the meeting; tenure recipients and their guests proceeded to a brief reception. The district reiterated the importance of community recognition during Teacher Appreciation Week.
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