Before the public portion of the Board meeting was convened, Mr. Cavanagh took the opportunity to share some kind words about Dr. Arden and Dr. Wilson, both of whom are retiring from the district at this evening's meeting. He also played a wonderful PowerPoint presentation. Tributes were made to Dr. Arden by Hutchinson School Principal, Mrs. Tarazi; Middle School Assistant Principal, Ms. Sabia; former Board President, Mr. Eicher; current Board Member, Mr. Cavanagh; and current Board President, Mrs. Kiernan. Homage was paid to Dr. Wilson by Assistant Superintendent, Mr. Giarrizzo and former Board Vice President, Ms. Draper. Several gifts were presented to both retirees and a proclamation was read in Dr. Arden's honor.
WHEREAS, the Pelham Board of Education recognizes Dr. Martha Arden for her distinguished service as a Board member since July 2004 and as Board Vice-President since July 2010 and, WHEREAS, during her three terms on the Board she helped to undertake and oversee the completion of various major capital projects and,WHEREAS, Dr. Arden applied her knowledge and skills as a medical physician to her work on the Wellness Committee which benefitted students with respect to their adopting healthy living habits and sound nutritional awareness and, WHEREAS, Dr. Arden's long time service on the Student Life Committee contributed to the improvement of co-curricular and other programs conducive to student social and emotional growth and development and,WHEREAS, Dr. Arden was known for making program and policy decisions that advocated for academic rigor and a challenging curriculum for all students and,WHEREAS, Dr. Arden was always highly responsible with respect to budgetary decisions and was mindful of what the Pelham taxpayers could reasonably afford and,
WHEREAS, Dr. Arden was driven in her decision making on the Board to always favor what was in the best interest of the students and,
WHEREAS, Dr. Arden, over a period of years, dedicated herself as chairperson of the Policy Committee that updated all school policies and made them pertinent to the current needs of our schools and students
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that the Pelham Board of Education, on behalf of the students of Pelham, hereby expresses its gratitude to Dr. Arden for all she has done to sustain quality education in the Pelham Schools and bring about many improvements during her tenure. You have helped to make the District you now leave a better place for teaching and learning than the one you joined as a new Board Member. Best wishes to you.
Dr. Arden and Dr. Wilson said that it was an honor and privlege to work in the Pelham schools and thanked the Board for the opportunity.
The meeting paused at 9:04 p.m. for a short break.
