The Secaucus Board of Education bid a fond farewell to one of its favorite teachers at the Feb. 15 meeting, noting sadly how a leave-of-absence to recover from an illness had led to a request for retirement.
Anita Del Vecchio, who had worked in the school district for 37 years, and was the school’s language specialist, most recently helped the school setup its world language program. Del Vecchio also served as advisor to the Foreign Language Honors Society.
“She started as a foreign language teacher, now called world language teacher, and eventually became supervisor of the world language department,” said Schools Superintendent Constantino Scerbo during a telephone interview after the meeting. “She was highly respected by staff and the students.”
Board of Education Member Ed Rittberg said he had worked closely with Del Vecchio when he was the principal of the Middle School and called her a “master teacher” and “the best of the best.”
“She did almost anything for the school district,” he said. “Although we often say we will miss people when they leave, with her, it is very true. She was an outstanding educator and a very good person.”
Secaucus High School Principal Patrick Impreveduto called Del Vecchio “a dedicated teacher and supervisor.”
“She is a leader in her field, she is a leader within the school district and a generally nice person. She will be sorely missed,” Impreveduto said. “We’re sorry, she’s retiring and do wish her well.”
The board also acknowledged, with regret, the retirement of Joseph Krone, a reading teacher at the high school and middle schools.
Routine business done
In other business, the board appointed people to the school’s substitute list, a nighttime custodial maintenance supervisor and a bus aide. The board also approved tuition and transportation for students attending out-of-district schools and authorized the superintendent of schools to apply for a $315,200 Adult Basic Skills Grant for next year.
In addition, the board advertised for three maintenance positions, granted one medical leave request, and maternity leaves for two teachers. The board also agreed to increase a kindergarten aide’s work time by two hours a day and approved additional hours for a Spanish-speaking aide. The board also posted a request seeking a sophomore class advisor – a teacher in the school district who would guide incoming students over a three-year period until they graduate.
The board also agreed to participate in an expanded cooperative purchasing program that will allow them to reduce costs on various items, including furniture – something that will become particularly handy with the expansion of both elementary schools.
Committee reports
While the board agreed to allow the Secaucus Patriots Marching Band to host a band competition on Oct. 14, several board members asked about the size of the competition and the arrangements needed to be made.
One concern raised was about the field house, which is scheduled to be renovated providing toilet facilities at field side. Currently, participants at the stadium must walk well over 100 yards to the high school. Board Member Paul Amico said work is scheduled to start as soon as the weather breaks.
“I can almost guarantee it will be done in time for this,” Amico said.
Board Member Anthony Rinaldi reported that expansion on Huber Street has moved ahead. Although bad weather has delayed putting in the footing to the addition, the project should be finished by the Aug. 22 deadline.
School officials anticipate a ground breaking for the addition to Clarendon School early in March.