Port Washington Teachers Awarded Tenure

After weeks of long and arduous budget discussions, the Port Washington Union Free School District's Board of Education got down to some good and enjoyable business, as they awarded 28 teachers and various department employees tenure at Tuesday's school board meeting.

"There are times when I have to make some regrettable choices up here," board member Dr. Roy Nelson said. "Tonight is not one of those nights. I get to enjoy this. We're delighted to support these individuals."

The board voted unanimously on awarding tenure to 23 teachers, three assistant teachers, one administrative assistant and Dr. Nicholas Stirling, the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, who has been present at all of this year's school board meetings.

While members of the board said they were proud of the 28 men and women who received tenure, board president Karen Sloan spoke on a personal level about her time spent with Dr. Stirling.

"I started my term three years ago with Dr. Stirling," Sloan said. "He has added so much to this district and I don't know where we'd be without him."

Superintendent Dr. Geoffrey Gordon addressed the fairly-packed auditorium of teachers and their families, who had to come to the board meeting to honor the newly tenured employees. Close to 200 people were in attendance.

"Tonight is a real celebration," Dr. Gordon said. "Our kids will be as good as the people the district hires to teach them. To all the moms, dads, husbands, wives, kids, and teachers — this is a special night. Thank you so much."

Thomas Barbara, a social studies teacher at Weber Middle School, said he was very proid to be one of the teachers who received tenure. "It feels great," Barbara said. "I am thrilled that my hard work is being recognized and I am proud to teach in the Port Washington School System."

Next Tuesday, May 18, the school district's budget vote and trustee election will be held from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. at the following polling locations — Sousa Elementary School at 101 Sands Point Road; Daly Elementary School at 36 Rockwood Ave.; South Salem Elementary School at 10 Newbury Road; and Weber Middle School on Campus Drive.