Welcome Back, SOCSD Teachers and Staff!

Engagement, achievement and connection were the main themes of the District’s Opening Day ceremony for teachers, staff and administrators this morning.

In his kickoff keynote, Superintendent of Schools Brian Culot, Ed.D., referenced neuroscience research, emphasizing the importance of providing differentiated challenges and support to enable students to meet high expectations with success. “None of this can happen without you all. We have a talented, dedicated and loving staff…Not a day goes by that I’m not grateful to work with you,” noted Culot. 

Board of Education President Steven Finn thanked staff for their dedication and spoke to the drive for continuous improvement.

“We are excited to get back into the classroom and do the important work that we do everyday,” Education Association of South Orangetown President Ron Scherer remarked. “‘Together we can’ has been our District motto and I hope that we can build on that spirit…to continue to elevate, engage and inspire every student who walks through our doors.”

At the heart of this morning’s event, 50 veteran SOCSD employees were celebrated for reaching career milestones in 2024-25:

30 Years
Kathryn Cuccia, Teacher, WOS
Heidi Hill, Teacher, WOS
Brian Newburger, Teacher, TZHS
Steve Purkis, Teacher, TZHS

25 Years
Anna Coughlin, Teacher, WOS
Carol Widmayer, Teacher, WOS
Karen Mackenzie Bell, Teaching Assistant, CLE
Kerri McBride, Teacher, CLE
Susan O’Rourke, Teacher, CLE
Sunita Ranawat-Hill, Teacher, CLE
Jacob Tanenbaum, Teacher, CLE
Jennifer Abrahamsen, Teacher, SOMS
Patricia Cardenas, Teacher, SOMS
Emily McKay, Teacher, SOMS
Allison Meyers, Teacher, SOMS
Karen Connell, Teacher TZHS
James Donovan, Teacher, TZHS
Christine Drivas, Teacher, TZHS
Frances Duffy, Teacher, TZHS
Michael Matulac, Teacher, TZHS
Daniel Rafferty, Teacher, TZHS
Seth Resnikoff, Teacher, TZHS
Lisa Reynolds, Secretary, TZHS
Stephen Sherman, Teacher, TZHS
Beth Smith, Teacher, TZHS
Russell Wagoner, Teacher, TZHS
Kim Woodford, Secretary, Human Resources

20 Years
Denise Catalano, Teacher Aide, WOS
Arthur Gunther, Teacher, WOS
Kristen Cavanagh, Teacher, CLE
Colleen Traynor, Teacher, CLE
Virginia Bonardi, Secretary, SOMS
Kristen Duroy, Teacher, SOMS
Charles Foley, Teacher, SOMS
Lisa Hackett, Teacher, SOMS
Morgan Harris, Teacher, SOMS
Maureen O’Sullivan, Teacher, SOMS
Christopher Rastelli, Teacher, SOMS
Marie-Laure Spatz, Teacher, SOMS
Stephanie Stehly, Teacher, SOMS
Pamela Tarasco, Teacher, SOMS
Mei Yip-Chen, Teacher, SOMS
Lauren Calcaterra, Teacher, TZHS
Emily Donovan, Teacher, TZHS
Kristen Driscoll, Teacher, TZHS
Nicole Lai, Teacher, TZHS
Michelle Golino, Teacher, TZHS
Tracy Ryan, Teacher, TZHS
Dana Stranges, Teacher, TZHS
Shannon Bogart, Instructional Coach, Curriculum & Instruction

Keep an eye on our social media feeds throughout the year for posts highlighting these dedicated individuals. 

In the meantime, congratulations to all! 2025-26 is going to be a GREAT year!

More photos on the District Facebook and Instagram feeds.