By Ed Birch, Special Writer
At this week’s South Brunswick Board of Education meeting, Assistant Superintendent Joanne Kerekes and her staff honored 27 district staff who have announced their retirement plans including Superintendent Gary McCartney.
Mr. McCartney is leaving the district at the end of the month after 10 years at the helm.
Ms. Kerekes in her tribute to the superintendent outlined the many accomplishments that Dr. McCartney has achieved since taking the reigns from former leader Samuel Stewart.
"Throughout his career in South Brunswick, Dr McCartney has always considered the Board of Education as a team of 10" said Ms. Kerekes.
This is in reference to the nine elected members of the Board and the positive input of Mr. McCartney.
Among the other items listed by Ms. Kerekes was the district achieving the highest SAT scores in school history and the school listed among the national Honor Roll for Advanced Placement test scores.
In addition, every year under McCartney’s supervision, the district has had excellent audit results both in fiscal management and educational success.
"The district has made much progress in the areas of school security and energy conservation," she said. "The district, under Gary’s leadership, has saved the taxpayers of this district $10 million in savings based on the many refinancing of bonds."
She also praised Mr. McCartney for the many new programs he has initiated for the district.
"Every year, he has led us in the project of establishing goals and objectives for the school year," she said. "In addition, the educational summit informs the community of all projects that the district undertakes for our community."
She also reminded everyone that the township tax rate for education has decreased as compared to other districts in the state.
"Under Gary, we have all seen the district going from good to great," said Kerekes as she wiped away the tears from her eyes.
In his address to the assembled audience, Mr. McCartney expressed his appreciation for every person who has worked with him during the past 10 years.
"Life is what we give, and I thank you for sharing this school district with me," said McCartney.
After mentioning that he gave his frequent sayings from Abraham Lincoln "the night off," McCartney ended his remarks by saying "thank you for all that you have done for me and for our students."
"We, in this district, have had the best. You held us to do our job" said Board President Stephen Parker in describing the services of McCartney.
The others honored in the Retirement Ceremony were Joan Bonk, Marilyn Breitbart, Maryanne Carrino, Thea Dahlberg, Louis DeToro, Ellen Dwyer, Susan Freeman, Carolyn Gerdes, Carol Goldberg, Allison Ingram, Ann Jahr, Mark Kraft, Chang Han Lee, Jennie Liamero, Judy McCormick, Stephen Miller, Patricia Olsen, Arleen Panson, Louis Pini, Melissa Pollard, Susan Rausch, Cheryl Reardon, Sonia Rial, Kathlee Schatz, Sharon Syryker, and Sharon Suskin.
