From left, Bemus Point Central School District Board of Education members Vincent Horrigan, Kathleen Collver, Megan Kent, Shawn Hricko, President Lauren Ryan, School Superintendent Joseph Reyda, Elizabeth “Betsy” Healy, and Vice President Dr. Margaret Spence, unanimously approved tenure for Julie M. Verdonik for the tenure area of Director of Student Programs and Christopher A. Padd, for the permanent tenure in the position of secondary principal. P-J photo by Christopher Blakeslee.

The Bemus Point Central School District unanimously approved two positions for tenure which were tabled at a June 16 normal business meeting.

The board approved tenure unanimously for Julie M. Verdonik for the tenure area of Director of Student Programs and Christopher A. Padd for the permanent tenure in the position of secondary principal during a special meeting Tuesday.

“When we approve tenure we’re making a life-time commitment to that person,” said Lauren Ryan, board president. “This is something that we look at the whole person concept – it’s not something we take lightly.”

Furthermore, the board received more than 13 letters of support from concerned parents and guardians in support of the board and the superintendent’s tenure recommendations, along with the aforementioned student’s petition of support. The support came after several parents spoke out with reservations last week.

“This is one of the most important recommendations I, as superintendent, must make to the school board,” said Joseph Reyda, district superintendent. “Tenure is something I take very seriously.”

Several Maple Grove students also spoke during Tuesday’s meeting, with a petition circulated among students supporting Padd’s tenure. More than 70 juniors and seniors signed the petition, which was spearheaded by Lydia Darr, a 2025 Maple Grove graduate who will attend the State University at Brockport, and Clair Price, a 2025 graduate who will attend Belmont University.

“It’s important to make sure the students get the best possible teachers and administrators,” Darr said. “It’s important that the board gets the students’ perspective. We’re here every day, Monday through Friday, we see what’s working and what’s not working, what’s going on.”

Price added that while she and Darr are on their way to college they felt it was their responsibility to make their voices heard for the future generations of students who will be following behind them. Both Price and Darr agreed that the school administration sets the tone, vibe and atmosphere in the school system – and they believe that they got a high-quality education during their time at Maple Grove.