SALAMANCA — Eleven staff members representing more than 228 years of service to the Salamanca City Central School District were recognized last week by the Board of Education.
Of the 11 retirees, three attended the school board meeting and were presented with a certificate of appreciation from the board.
District Superintendent Robert Breidenstein shared some of his thoughts about the three retirees when giving them their certificates and congratulating them for their years of service.
Business teacher Walt Zeznick taught in the district for 31 years, serving as an advisor for several clubs and organizations and as a sports referee during his time with the district.
“He is an amazing source of knowledge of the history of this district,” Breidenstein said. “Walt is, as all of our retirees are, going to be a challenge to replace.”
Breidenstein said in his seven years in the district, he’s relied on Zeznick several times as someone who tells it like it is, acknowledging when things are right and reminding everyone when things are not right.
“After 31 years, I’ve totally enjoyed the district,” said Zeznick, a native of Salamanca. “Thinking about the thing I’m going to miss most is the kids. Hopefully, I’ll be back to visit.”
Science teacher Terri Boyer-Milbrandt taught in the district for 10 years, but Breidenstein said she has been involved in many different science classes and moving the department ahead as the district heads towards a STEAM focused curriculum.
“Similar to other retirees … Terri has been a voice on exceptional clarity on what kids need,” he said. Breidenstein said Boyer-Milbrandt embodies what a science teacher should be, showing excitement every day for both the subjects and the students.
Boyer-Milbrandt said she enjoyed all her time in Salamanca and all the different science classes she’s taught, particularly a seventh grade class she taught last year.
“All those kids come back to me and say, ‘No, you can’t leave yet. I wanted to have you again,’” she said. Boyer-Milbrandt said she’s moving to Florida to be with her father and help take care of their family greenhouse.
Industrial arts and technology teacher Charles Courtney taught in the district for 15 years, and has preached safety and encouraged pride in craftsmanship to all students through his passion for the art, Breidenstein said.
“It’s a gift to have that passion and communicate it to children that creates student interest in trade craft, and that is, unfortunately, something that is a dying breed in our society,” he said. “The students come out of that classroom with a better appreciate and understanding of how to build and create.”
Breidenstein said Courtney also has been one of the driving forces in making sure the class is incorporated into the new STEM initiative in the capital project.
“I can’t believe how fast it’s all gone,” Courtney said. “I’ve had a blast working with the kids. It’s great to see the lights come on when they succeed at something. … It’s been a joy to work with them.”
The other retirees not present included elementary teacher Ellen Frank, 33 years; elementary teacher Cindy Skoken, 35.5 years; teacher assistant Jill Hart, 20 years; teacher assistant Christina Gray, 20 years; teacher assistant Debra Haines, 28 years; and elementary teacher Denise Newark; 36 years.
(Contact editor Kellen Quigley at kquigleysp@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter, @Kellen_Quigley)
