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School board members unanimously approved the designations during a meeting in the John Jay High School library. The newly tenured staff and faculty members are:
- Marisa Merlino (John Jay High School director of guidance);
- Michael Cohen (John Jay High School business education teacher);
- Daniel Longhurst (John Jay High School science teacher);
- Jane Emig (Meadow Pond Elementary School teacher);
- Sandra Mackenzie (Increase Miller Elementary School teaching assistant);
- and Candice Meshil (Katonah Elementary School teaching assistant)
“We are very proud of them,” Interim Superintendent John Goetz said.
“Tenure is a significant milestone in one’s educational career. It signifies a level of accomplishment, a level of recognition, and a level of things being confirmed that we knew already – that we made the right hiring decision.”
Goetz said one common quality among the six staff members is their ability to connect with students. In addition to knowing their subject matter, he said, they also know how to deliver it in the best possible way for students to learn.
As part of the celebration, members of The Rolling Tones, the high school’s all-male a capella group, performed. Each tenured staff member was introduced by an administrator from his or her school.
“[Emig] promotes higher levels of student understanding and helps them make connections to real-world problems,” said Meadow Pond Principal Carolann Castellano.
“She has proven herself to be an excellent educator and a collaborative colleague.”
John Jay High School Principal Jessica Godin described Cohen as a highly effective teacher with a perfect attendance record. She also spoke about Longhurst’s love for French cheese, which he gives out during AP exams, and his reputation as a knowledgeable teacher. She described Merlino as reliable, organized, and someone who always make the right decision.
Increase Miller Principal Kerry Ford described Mackenzie as someone with incredible knowledge of classroom instruction, commitment to students and professionalism.
Katonah Elementary Assistant Principal Terry Costin spoke highly of Meshil, praising her patience, kindness and dependability.
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