Clark School Board Honors Exceptional Educators and Staff
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Meeting Type:
School Board
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Meeting Date:
04/18/2024
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Recording Published:
04/18/2024
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Duration:
48 Minutes
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Union County
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Towns:
Clark, Garwood
- Meeting Overview:
In a recent gathering, the Clark School Board paid tribute to a group of distinguished educators and staff members for their exceptional contributions to the district. The meeting spotlighted the recipients of the Governor’s Educators of the Year awards, acknowledged the dedication of a long-serving staff member, and addressed various curricular and policy items. Additionally, the board celebrated the Middle School Science Olympiad team’s achievements and heard a community member’s concerns about state educational policies.
One item at the meeting was the recognition of outstanding educators and staff from multiple schools within the district. Mrs. Joy Donaldson, from Arthur L Johnson High School, was celebrated as the educator of the year, noted for enhancing students’ critical thinking skills and participating in school programs. Mrs. Carla Wagner, also from Arthur L Johnson High School, received the Educational Services professional award for her role as a media specialist. Miss Lauren Fernandez of Carl H Kumpf Middle School was praised for her innovative teaching methods and involvement in school initiatives, earning her the title of educator of the year for her school. Michelle Berto, an occupational therapist, was acknowledged as the Governor’s Educational Services professional of the year for her contributions.
The recognitions extended to Henley School, where Kayla Rodriguez’s expertise in special education and commitment to individualized instruction earned her the distinction of teacher of the year. Christine Gilbert received the educational professional of the year award at Henley School for her exceptional service. Valley Road School honored Chris Rego as its teacher of the year and Mrs. Maria Dilva as the educational support person of the year. Their dedication and positive impact on the student community were lauded. Erin Vanderwater was named the preschool teacher of the year at the Clark Preschool Annex, and Geraldine Bonacorso, assistant to the athletic director, was presented with the Administrative Assistant of the Year award.
The board also took a moment to acknowledge Barbara Corby’s 26 years of service within the district. Her dedication to the Clark schools was met with gratitude and congratulations from the board, though the specific speaker’s name was not confirmed. The celebration of service and achievement continued with the Middle School Science Olympiad team’s recognition for their state-level success and the medals earned by several students.
Following the accolades, the board addressed routine matters by approving minutes from the previous month’s meeting and various curricular, policy, and board governance items. A finance item labeled as number 22 was administratively removed from discussion without further details provided. The board then informed attendees about upcoming events, such as the College Panel and Fair and the district band performance. The meeting also included updates from committees and students.
During the public comments section, a community member expressed strong disagreement with Governor Murphy’s law regarding gender identity and abortion education in schools. The meeting was eventually adjourned following the public comment period.
Edward Grande
School Board Officials:
Steven Donkersloot, Thomas Lewis, Lorraine j. Aklonis, Dino Bencivenga, Scott Bohm, Robert Brede, Megan Harrison, Kristen Hickman, Robert F. Smorol, Jr., Christine Guerriero (Garwood Representative)
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Meeting Type:
School Board
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Meeting Date:
04/18/2024
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Recording Published:
04/18/2024
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Duration:
48 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Union County
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Towns:
Clark, Garwood
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