The Great Neck Public Schools Board of Education granted tenure to two assistant superintendents, a principal, two assistant principals, and 31 secondary and elementary school faculty at its June 17 meeting. Tenure becomes effective on Sept. 1 for most of the candidates; other tenures will become effective in July, August, and November.
Board President Barbara Berkowitz, in her congratulatory remarks, told those receiving tenure, “You are the right people for the right job. We are fortunate to have you in this district. This is a ‘Big Deal Event’ to be treasured. The work you do for our children matters tremendously.”
Superintendent of Schools Thomas Dolan enthusiastically concurred with Berkowitz saying that this was, “a most special night. I have met with each one of you and you are a very special group.”
Dolan introduced and recommended the assistant superintendents and principal. Principals introduced their tenure candidates, praising their outstanding teaching, their ability to engage their students, and the joy they bring to their classrooms.
Assistant superintendents granted tenure were Stephen Lando, assistant superintendent for secondary education, and Kelly Newman, assistant superintendent for elementary education.
Phyllis Feldman was granted tenure as principal of the Lakeville School.
Daniel Krauz, at Great Neck North High School, and Jeffrey Ryvicker, at Baker School, were granted tenure as assistant principals.
North High teachers granted tenure were Sharon Cifuentes (home economics-general), Colin Cubinski (mathematics), Christine Eisenhauer (art), James Kinder (general special education), and Lauren Mock (health). South High’s teachers granted tenure were Joshua Baravarian (general special education), Brian Fadde (English), Safia Fatimi (art), Geraldine Finazzo (foreign language), and Paul Guzzone (general special education).
Great Neck North Middle teachers granted tenure were Rebecca Masella (English) and Donna Plante (science). South Middle teachers granted tenure were Cathleen Dnyprowsky (physical education & recreation), Geoffrey Mead (industrial arts-general), Katie Pearce (English), and Robert Zahn (school media specialist-library & GNPS/TV producer).
Elementary school teachers who were granted tenure are as follows by school:
E.M. Baker: Lauren Bayon (classroom), Tara Caviris (art), Michelle Como (classroom), Marissa Damiano (classroom), Tami McElwee (remedial reading), and Patricia Russo (classroom).
J.F. Kennedy: classroom teachers Danielle McGrade and Janet Rumble.
Lakeville: Jamie Geller (classroom), Thomas Hughes (classroom), Brooke Lipskin (remedial reading), and Janine Sadaka (speech-remedial).
Parkville: Joseph Bonaventura (physical education & recreation) and Jamie Saranik (classroom).
Saddle Rock: Wendy Murad (social worker, also at Baker School).
