Plainview-Old Bethpage Honors 2026 Retirees

On June 15, the Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District held its annual retirement ceremony celebrating the dedication and careers of this year’s retirees. Surrounded by colleagues, friends, and district leaders, each retiree was recognized for their years of service and lasting contributions to the school community.

The ceremony began with remarks from Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mary O’Meara and Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Safety Mr. Chris Donarummo.

“Tonight we celebrate the remarkable work of individuals whose careers have touched every corner of our District,” said Dr. O’Meara. “Each retiree has made our schools a place where children could learn, grow and succeed.”

Board of Education trustee Mrs. Debbie Bernstein also congratulated the retirees. “Today we celebrate not only the years you dedicated but the countless lives you’ve touched along the way,” she said. “You have each played essential roles in creating schools where students feel challenged, supported and cared for, and your impacted goes far beyond the classroom.”

Each principal, along with Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction Dr. James Bolen, Assistant Superintendent for Business Dr. Chris Dilllon, and Executive Director of Special Education, Mental Health & Support Services Ms. Monica Manzi, recognized the retirees from their department. Congratulations to the following:

Old Bethpage Elementary School
-    Dawnmarie DeMatteo, Reading Teacher

Judy Jacobs Parkway Elementary School
-    Margaret Coakley, Registered Nurse
-    Beth Dennis, Library Media Specialist
-    Gulzade Gulum, Principal Typist Clerk
-    Nina Melzer, Elementary Teacher
-    Marilyn Raimondi, Reading Teacher

Pasadena Elementary School
-    Lisa Deitch, Elementary Teacher
-    Irene Efstathiadis, School Monitor & Bus Attendant
-    Maureen Kenney, Speech and Language Teacher
-    Lisa Pearson, Teacher Aide
-    Deborah Perry, Teacher Aide

Stratford Road Elementary School
-    Jacqualin Truelove Mikulski, Elementary Teacher
-    Regina Newman, Reading Teacher
-    Pauline Pignataro, Special Education Aide & Bus Attendant
-    Elise Saltman, School Monitor Saltzman

Howard B. Mattlin Middle School
-    Christopher Catalano, Music Teacher
-    Denise McKenna, Special Education Aide
-    Stacey Peat, Elementary Teacher
-    Teri Polis, Library Media Specialist

Plainview-Old Bethpage Middle School
-    Dorothy Drexel, Middle School Assistant Principal
-    Agripina Linas, Science Teacher change to Llinas
-    Marjorie Alford, Elementary Teacher
-    Michelle Schwamb, Special Education Teacher

Plainview- Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School
-     Traci Aramini, Special Education Teacher
-    Michael Burke, Science Teacher
-    Robert DiTolla, English Teacher 
-    Ellen Feldman, ENL Teacher
-    Donna Rivelli, School Monitor & Bus Attendant
-    Maria Stamatiou, Social Studies Teacher

Special Education / Pupil Personnel Services
-    Wendy Adelman, Senior Typist Clerk
-    Thomas Meier, School Psychologist
-    Caroline Morello, Principal Typist Clerk
-    Renee Rose, Principal Typist Clerk

Administration
-    Eileen Annino, Chairperson, K-6 Literacy
-    Laurie Lynn-Claps, Director of Guidance
-    Holly Berger, Principal Typist Clerk
-    Edith Kracker, Stenographic Secretary
-    Andrew Ward, NYS Director of Facilities III
-    Glenn Doxey, Groundskeeper
-    Sheila Personelli, Bus Attendant

The ceremony concluded with remarks from Plainview-Old Bethpage Congress of Teachers President Ms. Nina Melzer. “The lessons that you taught the students were not only in the classroom – they were in every interaction you had with them,” she said. “You taught them confidence and resilience, encouraged creativity, and led with kindness by example.”

Congratulations to this year’s retirees. Your commitment and impact have left a legacy in the Plainview-Old Bethpage community. We thank you for your service and wish you all the best in your next chapter.