Superintendent Kaine Kelly said the reception is annually held during the September meeting as an opportunity to formally recognize new employees and those who have achieved tenure, and is a part of the school board’s efforts to celebrate and welcome staff each year.

This year, the school board recognized new employees; Alanna Draves, Math Teacher, Haley Germain, Elementary Teacher, Kelsie Lundsten, Special Education Teacher, Kailyn Tanski, Science Teacher, Barbara Wascher, School Psychologist, Courtney Swanson, Teacher Aide, and Angela Sluga, Account Clerk Typist, along with tenure recipients; Autumn Harkness, Elementary Teacher, who was absent, and Jennifer Panebianco, Director of Pupil Services.

“The reception includes refreshments and a time for new and newly tenured staff to mingle with the governance team, which consists of the Board of Education and the administrative team,” Kelly said. “This allows staff to get to know the board members in a relaxed setting. Additionally, formal introductions of the new employees and newly tenured staff are made to the board and any public present at the start of the board meeting, before the official meeting begins, providing a more formal acknowledgment of their roles within the organization.”

Kelly said that the school feels having this reception each year is important because it helps to foster a sense of community and inclusion in the district. By providing an opportunity for new employees and newly tenured teachers to interact with the school’s governance team it also helps provide a way to build relationships and establish open lines of communication, he said.

Pictured left to right are Kaine Kelly, Superintendent of Schools, Jennifer Panebianco, Director of Pupil Services who recently received tenure, and Board of Education President, Julie Milliman.

“It also publicly recognizes the contributions and achievements of staff, reinforcing the district’s commitment to supporting and valuing its employees, which in turn contributes to a positive working environment,” Kelly said.