Community Lauds Retiring Faculty

The past few weeks have been a hectic time for the Scarsdale Board of Education. Following the defeat of the first school budget and Dr. Michael McGill's announcement that he will step down as Superintendent of Scarsdale Schools next year, the Board of Education has been dealing with some difficult, almost unprecedented issues.

For nearly one month, since the first budget was defeated on May 21st, the Board of Education has been working tirelessly to structure a new budget that in Dr. McGill's words "is mindful of this community's commitment to excellence while gauging where the community is in terms of fiscal restraint."

The Board seems to have fulfilled both of these conditions, as the revised budget maintains class sizes, extra curricular activities and core educational programs, all while reducing costs by over $1,300,000.

On the night before the second vote, June 17, the Board of Education paused from financial discussions to recognize the retirements of esteemed teachers and faculty.

Here is a list of the newly retired staff (effective July 1st, 2013) and their respective positions:

• MaryAnn Kingston: Librarian at Heathcote School
• MariEmmi Pozzouli: Elementary Classroom Teacher at Edgewood School
• Helen Pasternack: Art Teacher at Edgewood School
• Cora Five: Elementary Classroom Teacher at Edgewood School
• Diane Celentano: Kindergarten Dance/LCI Coordinator
• Phyllis DiBianco: Librarian
• Neil Ginsberg: Social Studies Teacher
• Leonard Kerson: Librarian
• Mar Krauss: Psychologist
• Michael Mendelson: Director of Special Education
• Amy Schandler: Special Education CSE/CPSE

Among these 11 teachers, Diane Celentano, Phyllis DiBianco, Neil Ginsberg and Michael Mendelson were in attendance at Tuesday's Board Meeting and received special commemorations replete with heartfelt speeches from Scarsdale Assistant Superintendent for Personnel Joan Weber, Superintendent Michael McGill, SHS Principal Kenneth Bonamo, Dr. Robert DiYanni, and other members of the Scarsdale community.

"Vivacious, animated, spirited and enthusiastic." Those are the words Joan Weber used to describe Diane Celentano. Diane first came to Quaker Ridge as a classroom teacher "with a range of admirable skills." She "had an exceptional capacity as a leader" and "made both her students and colleagues feel valued and respected" said Weber. Dr. Robert DiYanni, Director of Art and Aesthetic Education said Diane "consistently evokes the love of her students, appreciation of parents and respect and admiration of Scarsdale colleagues." Diane was always "characterized by her vitality and passion for the arts." She had "a strong interest in arts and dance," which led to her participation with the district's early collaboration with the Lincoln Center Institute. She ultimately "gave rise to kindergarten dance program" and eventually "became the Kindergarten Dance and Lincoln Center Institute Coordinator." According to Dr. DiYanni, it was Diane who made the "resurgence of the Lincoln center program possible." In short, Diane was "a major inspiration to her students and colleagues."

According to former Assistant Principal Fred Goldberg, "Every school should have a Neil Ginsberg, but two would certainly be too many." Joan Weber described Neil as "a force of nature." He is an "iconic figure" and "has been the life and soul of Scarsdale High School for the past 39 years," said Principal Kenneth Bonamo. Neil is "a precious resource" says Eric Rothschild. "He is a teacher of exceptional qualities and his relationships are superior. He is the person students talk to for any issue." He is invariably positive to everyone and there is "no one more skilled at giving students and colleagues a warm and encouraging word," said Ken Bonamo. Neil's exceptional interpersonal skills are just one of the attributes that make him "a blessing for one's school." "It is also the enthusiasm he has for the place." Neil "glows with enthusiasm undiminished by the passage of time," said Ken Bonaomo. Judy Fox wrote, "Keeping up with Neil is as challenging as following a game of racquetball. His ideas are fast and exciting and he uses the whole court. He exhausts the spectator." Neil's contributions to Scarsdale Schools have been "extensive and exhaustive." Neil was part of the group that founded the Civ-Ed program and was a leader in the Senior Options program. He played an integral role as student government advisor and student activities advisor. Not to mention, he brought the carnival to Scarsdale High School. There is "not a piece of the SHS curriculum that doesn't bear the fingerprint of Ginsberg," said Ken Bonamo.

Phyllis DiBianco "is a librarian who maintained her status as a visionary," said Ken Bonamo. Phyllis came to Scarsdale in 1997 with "a wealth of experience as a media specialist." She "opened online resources to hundreds of students and staff." "The library has been her kingdom and she has reigned wisely," said Joan Weber. "Drawing on an unlimited source of energy, Phyllis prepares thoroughly to help students and colleagues access the treasure drawer of information she carefully curates for them," says Ken Bonamo. She "is mannered with students, both caring and firm." She has been very involved in SHS affairs, serving on nearly every school committee and has been "a pleasure to work with on many collaborations" said Weber. She is an "advocate and expert in the use of technology and "all have grown from her advocacy, art, and craft." "Scarsdale offered Phyllis "the opportunity to question, explore and grow. ...The Board wishes her the best as she pursues the next chapter with her grandchildren abroad and in the states."

Joan Weber recalls Dr. Mendelson's initial interview. "He walked in with a slow, confident demeanor, all sun tanned and relaxed in his loafers. The year was 2000, Mendelson and the millennium had arrived." Mike had come to work as the Director of Special Education. "Dr. Michael Mendelson's job may be the toughest in district," said Superintendent Michael McGill. "The work is to provide an education that is appropriate and of high quality for kids who really struggle. That by itself is immensely difficult. In addition, the work involves counseling, advising, supporting and hearing parents who are themselves in distress because of problems that they are wrestling with as a family. Mike does a superior job of balancing all those different forces. He does the finest job of any special education director I have ever worked with. He is a combination of professional competence and personal grace," said McGill. Now, 13 years later, "Mike leaves a bit more pale of complexion and somewhat more intense, but still with characteristic wit and mischievous smile," said Joan Weber. "He took on the complex empire of special education." He helped hundreds of students grow into the people they are supposed to be. "His intelligence is very rare in this kind of job and we are going to have a very difficult time replacing him," said Weber.

"Compassion, caring and bonds with students have become the hallmark of Scarsdale education," said SHS PTA President Jaqui Walter. Scarsdale High School parents would like to thank these educators "who have had such a profound impact on our children." "They are the heart, soul and brain of the environment to which we send our kids everyday."