River Edge School Board Honors Retirees and Celebrates Student Achievements
- Meeting Overview:
The River Edge School Board meeting featured recognition for retiring staff members alongside accolades for student accomplishments in various competitions. The board celebrated the careers of several retirees, including a business administrator whose leadership impacted the district’s financial stability, while also recognizing students who excelled in national contests and academic achievements.
The meeting commenced with the board expressing profound gratitude to retirees, beginning with Jacqueline Fontinara, who dedicated 18 years as a part-time PAR professional. Her reliability and flexibility were praised, particularly her support for students and staff. Katherine Nihan was honored next, with 15 years of service marked by her compassionate rapport with students and contributions to the educational program. Dominic Dluise, recognized for his 18 years as a custodian, was celebrated for maintaining a clean and safe school environment and his respected presence among students and staff.
Cindy Reeri, a media specialist with 25 years in education, was honored for fostering a love of reading and her innovative teaching methods. Her colleague highlighted her involvement in activities such as Read Across America and various library initiatives. Luan Palitano, who served as the school business administrator and board secretary for eight years, received a special resolution. Her leadership in budgeting and long-term planning was acknowledged as key to the district’s financial health. A poem from the administrative team praised her transition into retirement. The board emphasized Palitano’s exemplary performance and conveyed best wishes for all retirees’ future endeavors.
The meeting then shifted focus to student achievements, beginning with the spring Noetic Learning Contest, where several students excelled by ranking in the top 10% nationwide. Applause followed the recognition of these young scholars from Roosevelt and Cherry Hill schools. The board also celebrated the success of students in the Panasonic student eco-citizenship program competition, where two groups earned accolades for fostering environmentally conscious behaviors.
Cherry Hill School sixth graders were celebrated for their success in a writing competition. The efforts of their ELA teacher were commended for guiding the students to secure a first-place award in a broader contest.
The superintendent’s report highlighted attendance at sixth-grade graduations and praised students who received President’s Awards for Academics, noting that nearly half of each graduating class achieved this honor through maintaining high academic standards.
Committee reports covered curriculum and instruction, with discussions on the rollout of the K-3 math curriculum, including training sessions for educators. The finance and facilities committee addressed summer projects and a roof leak repair. Personnel management updates included contractual matters related to administrative positions and a school safety officer.
School Board Officials:
Eric Langley, Joshua Koen, Elizabeth Brown, Alethia Crespo, Lauren D’Alessandro, Miguel Frias, Gyuchang Sim, Dr. Nicholas Bernice (Administration Point of Contact), Louise Napolitano (Administration Point of Contact)
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Meeting Type:
School Board
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
06/18/2025
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Recording Published:
06/18/2025
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Duration:
151 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Bergen County
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Towns:
River Edge
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