Teachers retiring from the East Williston School District this year expressed mixed emotions during a reception for them preceding Monday night’s East Williston School Board meeting.
“It’s very bittersweet. This has been my family for 30 years,” said Muriel Delabar, special education teacher at The Wheatley School.
Delabar, an 11th and 12th grade special education and a curriculum assistant for special education, was one of several teachers leaving after working in the school district for two decades or more.
“This is like a second home. We treat the kids like an extended family. It will be hard not coming here every day,” Joyce Bernstein said.
Bernstein is retiring after 10 years as a curriculum associate for mathematics and, for the past school year, secondary supervisor of mathematics for grades five through 12.
For Diane Southard, who taught kindergartners, first graders and second graders for 43 years, the time was right.
“It’s time to go. 43 years is a good long time,” said Southard, who spent 32 years teaching at North Side School. “I feel like I’m ready. I’m excited. I’m happy.”
Her daughter Chloe attended school in the East Williston School District during her tenure and her graduation from high school this month was a sign for Southard.
“I always said when she graduated, I’d graduate and she’s graduating,” she said.
School board members thanks the departing educators for their work.
“I wish them all well,” East Williston school board President Mark Kamberg said.
“We thank them all for their years of service,” school board Vice President Robert Fallorino said.
Looking at Clare Hayes, who is leaving after four years as director of pupil personnel services, Fallorino said the district “has some very big shoes to fill.”
Hayes, who had concluded a 43-year career in special education with her years in the East Williston District, said she was thankful for the experience she had spent there.
“I have a had a wonderful four years here. And I’m lucky that I’ve been able to end my career here,” Hayes said. “I’ve been really blessed. I’ve loved the kids.”
Betsy Amira, who spent 26 years teaching at the Willets Road School, said she was pleased at the prospect of spending more time with her new grandson.
“I’m looking forward to it. I will miss teaching and everybody I’m working with,” she said. “I have mixed feelings, but it’s time to move on.”
