East Rockaway board highlights tenure recommendations for multiple educators

The East Rockaway Union Free School District Board of Education on May 27 highlighted tenure recommendations and introduced new staff during its regular meeting. School leaders presented candidates and praised their contributions before the board approved personnel items via the consent agenda.

High school principal Richard Schaefer recommended Mrs. Rebecca Mantle for tenure, saying she has been “an invaluable member of the East Rockaway High School community” for her individualized counseling work, college-and-career advising and contributions to school culture. Schaefer described Mantle’s work with credit monitoring, alumni programming and counseling outreach in recommending her for tenure.

Schaefer also recommended Miss Shannon Connelly, citing her project-based instruction (including a mock election), AP preparation for students and leadership as a class adviser; Mr. Noah Lu Weissberg for his development of a coherent music curriculum and orchestral program; Miss Sunzena Mia for technology and fabrication instruction that uses 3D printing and laser engraving; and Miss Christine Redden for math department leadership, data-driven benchmark systems and curriculum work. Mr. Murray separately recommended Miss Danielle Schneider for tenure, highlighting her role as district literacy coach and her work implementing phonics and data-driven reading strategies.

Superintendent Damaso recommended Mr. Jack Bixhorn for recognition, highlighting his return to RM Avenue as principal, the building’s implementation of social-emotional learning tools (the RULER program), and a focus on inclusive supports for students with disabilities.

All personnel recommendations were included in the consent agenda that night. The board formed the consent agenda, then moved to accept it; the motions were seconded and approved on voice votes, carrying the listed personnel schedules and related items.