Schools
Superintendent's Retirement Announced, Board Members Sworn In
Board member elections and retirements were among the topics discussed at May's school board meeting
After 21 years, Superintendent Richard Starodub will retire from the school district.
Starodub, who has served as superintendent since 1990, was one of seven school employees who were approved for retirement at the Monday Board of Education meeting.
“Thank you to all the service of those seeking to retire. I know Mr. Starodub, you didn’t want a special mention, but I can’t help myself and with much regret I can vote yes,” Maureen Tirella said.
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Those retiring represent over 200 years of teaching and administrative experience, President Jack Martenak said.
“They will be sorely missed. I know a number of them have made an impact on quite a few of our student’s lives,” Martenak said.
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The following teachers will be retiring:
Name
Position/School
Effective Date
Julia Besante
Teacher/LTHS
July 1, 2011
Mary Beth Buist
Teacher/LTHS
July 1, 2011
Ernest Leta
Teacher/LTHS
June 30, 2011
Patricia Pulchlopek
Teacher/LTHS
July 1, 2011
Richard Starodub
Superintendent
Sept. 1, 2011
Lorraine Vircillo
Media Specialist/LTHS
June 30, 2011
Patricia Zankel
Teacher/MPS
July 1, 2011
In addition to Starodub’s retirement, Martenak and former President Bruce Carney were sworn in and the board elected a president and vice president at the reorganization meeting.
“Congratulations Mr. Carney, Mr. Martenak. Welcome back to the board. Both of you are important members on our board,” said board member Linda Downing.
Martenak, former vice president, was elected as president while Eric Schubiger was elected as vice president.
“I would also like to thank my fellow Board of Education members for having the confidence to select me as president this year. It’s an honor I do not take lightly,” Martenak said. “I wish Mr. Schubiger the best of luck. I look forward to working with him on the leadership team.”
Martenak thanked Carney, who will now be serving as a board member. Carney did a great job during a turbulent year that started with a budget crisis, he said.
“Bruce, I want to congratulate you for a job well done as president. Until you sit in that seat you don’t realize how hard it can be. It’s a lot of extra time. So thank you on behalf of all of us,” Downing said. “Jack, good luck this year. I know you’re a very good man to have in that leadership role.”
Schubiger also congratulated Martenak and Carney.
“Mr. Carney is not the loudest and most boisterous board member. I think he would admit that but somehow he always finds the true meaning in every issue that we discuss and pretty much hits it on the head every time we have a big issue so I appreciate having you this past year. Mr. Martenak, best of luck as president this year,” Schubiger said.
“I’m looking forward to another successful school year here in Lacey,” he said.
Martenak and Carney were by the Lacey Township community on April 27 in an unopposed race.
“I want to congratulate Mr. Carney and Mr. Martenak but most of all I want to congratulate the community,” Tirella said. “You came out in bigger numbers to vote for the budget then you have in the past. You came out in support for this district. It’s not just support for our administration and our teachers you came out to say that education matters to our community.”
Visit Lacey Patch later this week to hear more about Starodub’s retirement.
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