Numerous faculty members of the Briarcliff Manor Union Free School District attended Monday evening’s Board of Education meeting to celebrate the tenure appointment of eight colleagues.

School Board President Janet Marinaccio opened the meeting and stated, “It is a joyous night tonight, one that we all look forward to.”

Prior to introducing the candidates, Interim Superintendent Dr. Jerry Cicchelli said a few words regarding the honor.

“Tenure is an emotional security and legal bond between staff member and school district….and it should make a difference in your teachingn since it demonstrates that what you do is valued," he said.

Prior to announcing the Briarcliff High School candidates, Principal James Kaishian commented, “This is a very important night—as a school principal I can think of no more important legacy that an administration can leave than help retain quality staff.”

Citing the many qualities and accomplishments of each candidate, school principals James Kaishian, Susan Howard (Briarcliff Middle School), and Nadine McDermott (Todd Elementary School) spoke briefly about each of the following staff members, all of whom received tenure.

Briarcliff High School: Nathan Helzel, Jamie Lund, Michelle McNeight and Theodore Sandomenico

Briarcliff Middle School: Melissa Brennan and Jessica Loprieno

Todd Elementary School: Melissa Esposito, Melissa Magliulo and Lorraine McDermott (granted tenure for a second time)

Dr. Jerry Cicchelli concluded the proceedings.

“This is a distinguished group of people," he said.

Each candidate was presented with a book by renowned education reformer Horace Mann and a reception followed in the Middle School cafeteria.

Other school board actions included:

• Approval for $100,000 textbook purchase for Todd reading program
• Approval for consultants to train kindergarten through sixth grade teachers in the Singapore Math Model Drawing Method. Primary funding is from the  Briarcliff Manor Education Foundation
• Voting results were certified

Comments from the public included those from John Gangi, who ran for a seat on the Board of Education. Gangi offered congratulations to Jennifer Rosen, who won the seat that will be vacated by Marinaccio at the end of June. Gangi also expressed concern for Todd School.

“With all the talk about Todd school program, I don’t want our youngest students to get shortchanged due to contractual obligations," he said.

The meeting concluded with comments from the Board.

Board member Rosella Ranno thanked and congratulated all of the district's teachers.

“The district appreciates all their hard work for our children,” she said.

Referring to the “unnecessary division in the community” regarding the recent budget vote, Trustee Sal Maglietta said, “I don’t believe the passage of the budget indicates acceptance of how the final budget was reached.”

Maglietta was the sole Board member who did not vote in favor of the adopted budget.

Thanking the community for their support on the budget, board member Guy Rotondo indicated the budget had a 73 percent pass rate, which he said is among the strongest in Westchester County.

“This is a right-sized budget which reflects our lower enrollment. It is the largest cut in Westchester County for the second year in a row," he concluded.