From left, Jamestown Public Schools Board of Education President Paul Abbott, retiring Board Member John Panebianco, and Superintendent Dr. Kevin Whitaker, congratulate Panebianco for his service on the board. P-J photo by Michael Zabrodsky

John Panebianco is very thankful that he served as a member of the Jamestown Public Schools Board of Education.

“I’m thankful for five things as a board member that the public voted for me to be on the board,” Panebianco said. “I am thankful that each board member was so patient with me to help me during my transition onto the board. I’m thankful for our Chautauqua County School Boards Association, who helps all the school boards. I’m very thankful to our JPS employees, who are helping our students become better learners and good citizens, and I’m thankful for The Post-Journal and the radio stations for covering all the great things that we’re doing at Jamestown Public Schools.”

Panebianco was a teacher in the district for many years before retirement, and transitioned to become a board member.

Tuesday was Panebianco’s last board meeting and he was recognized by other board members, and Superintendent Dr. Kevin Whitaker.

“John Panebianco, who has probably come to hundreds of board meetings in his tenure here with the district, not just as a board member, but as an employee in a variety of capacities,” Whitaker said.

Whitaker then gave Panebianco a mug filled with candy because Whitaker said that Panebianco often brings to executive sessions candy for all board members to enjoy.

“Thank you very much, I just want you to know that at the next meeting you’ll have plenty,” Panebianco said as he lifted a huge container filled with candy, and placed it near his name card by his seat at the board. Board members began to laugh when they saw how big the container was.

Board President Paul Abbott had words of praise for Panebianco.

“I do want to thank John on behalf of the board,” Abbott said. “John came to us almost immediately after his retirement from the district, and we did have a void on the board, so it was great to get somebody like John, who you know, is here for altruistic reasons. You know that John is here to do what’s best for students.”

Panebianco’s last official day on the board is June 30.

“So, really, John, thank you for your continued and voluntary service to this district after your retirement, and you know you will be missed. So, thank you for your service,” Abbott added.