At the end of every school year, the school district celebrates longtime faculty and staff who have or will be retiring. This year, 27 employees with combined service totaling 622 years will leave BC after long careers serving the children and families of the Bethlehem Central School District.
On Thursday, May 28, a reception was held at Mint in Slingerlands for the retirees, who were joined in the celebration by family members, friends, administrators, department supervisors, and Board of Education president Holly Dellenbaugh.
Superintendent Jody Monroe served as emcee as tributes were read for those in attendance.
Below, learn more about this extraordinary group of people as we say farewell, and thank you.
2025-26 BCSD Retirees
Mary Ann Africano – Clerical Assistant, BCMS (23 years)
“We can’t begin to describe how Ann’s ties to the community create a more inviting and welcoming tone in our Main Office. Ann not only lives in Bethlehem, but seemingly knows and remembers everyone who ever has. This has been such a benefit for everyone who walks through the doors of the middle school. Ann will be missed.”
Christopher Braga – Physical Education Teacher, BCMS (22 years)
“Chris has a long legacy as a BC educator and coach. His leadership helped foster a close-knit physical education department at the middle school and a successful wrestling program, where he mentored athletes from the feeder level through varsity competition. An avid golfer, we wish him the best of luck in his pursuit of par!”
Michael Bruno – Custodian, Elsmere Elementary School (23 years)
“Anyone walking the halls of Elsmere today can clearly see what Mike has brought to our district every single day: a welcoming, safe, and spotless school environment, and a student body that absolutely adores him. Mr. Mike has made a lasting impact at Elsmere and at Eagle, not just with hard work, but for the care, pride, and dedication he brought to that work each and every day.”
Colleen Burns – Elementary Teacher, Hamagrael Elementary School (35 years)
“Colleen has always found ways to bring positivity and steadiness to those around her. That ability comes from genuine care, intentionality, and an unwavering commitment to creating a strong and supportive climate within the building. Her impact can be seen in the generations of students she has supported, the colleagues she has encouraged, and the positive culture she has helped create each and every day.”
Connie Clarkson – Elementary Teacher, Slingerlands Elementary School (20 years)
“Throughout her time at Slingerlands Elementary, Connie has been known for her unwavering commitment to meeting students where they are and helping each one succeed. Her advocacy for students and families in the English as a New Language program, along with her work guiding students to resolve conflicts in positive and meaningful ways, reflects the lasting impact Connie has made on the school community.”
Maureen Cohan – Psychologist, Slingerlands Elementary School (17 years)
“Maureen is thoughtful, practical, honest, and always grounded in what’s best for kids. If someone needed help, support, or an extra set of hands, Maureen was always there without hesitation. And she is constantly moving from one thing to the next, usually working on three things at once. And somehow, she always looks effortlessly stylish doing it.”
Michael Davis – School Bus Driver, Transportation (34 years)
“Mike has driven our students for 34 years!! It always amazes us when a driver logs in 20-30 years behind the wheel of a school bus. It takes a special kind of patient person to go the distance like that. Mike has earned the admiration and respect of his coworkers with his quick wit and for always offering a helping hand.”
Donna Derrigo-Graves – Science Teacher, BCHS (26 years)
“What truly defines Donna’s time at BC is that she was a champion of people. She cared deeply about her students, not only as learners, but as whole human beings. She wanted them to succeed academically, but just as importantly, she wanted them to feel confident, valued, and proud of who they are. She helped students find their voice and build a community rooted in acceptance and belonging.”
Suzanne Domanico-Neri – Clerical Assistant, Slingerlands & Glenmont Elementary School (22 years)
“Suzanne developed many positive relationships with others and became a relied-upon friend and someone who listened to others when they needed an attentive ear. She had an incredible impact on students and staff over the and we wish her well as she begins this exciting new chapter.”
James Farnan – Business Teacher, BCMS (26 years)
“Jim’s mainstay these last 15 years has been helping students learn how to be safe online and protect their digital footprint. Through this work, Jim became a central point in all of our students’ educational journeys because of the foundational skills and behavioral safety skills he endeavored to instill in them as a teacher.”
Leonard Kies – Director of Athletics & Wellness, District (13 years)
“Len’s efforts to expand the BC athletic program during a time of overall declining enrollment are impressive. Today, more than 70% of students participate in interscholastic athletics—an extraordinary level of engagement that speaks to the inclusive, student-centered culture Len helped foster. One of the most meaningful highlights of Len’s tenure has been the addition of our Unified Sports program, which has provided life-changing opportunities for so many students.”
Kathryn Lang – Aide to Students with Disabilities, Glenmont Elementary School (21 years)
“Kate is effective at supporting students’ academic, behavioral, and emotional needs. At Glenmont and beyond, she mastered the delicate art of providing students with the exact right balance of encouragement and self-reliance. Her approach has made a wonderful difference for so many children over the years.”
Jennifer Lewis – English as a Second Language Teacher, Slingerlands Elementary School (22 years)
“Jen is celebrated not only for her commitment to teaching but also as a selfless mentor and the backbone of her department. Working with Jen has been described as a “masterclass in education.” What is most important to acknowledge is the tireless dedication Jen demonstrated in supporting families outside of the classroom to ensure students were set up for success. Her presence has shaped the very fabric of this district.”
Silvia Lilly – Library Media Specialist, BCMS (22 years)
“Silvia’s efforts to uphold a standard of excellence and keep students engaged were outstanding. She was the force that made the middle school number one in the area for books loaned to students. She also organized author visits from a wide and diverse range of authors, led book groups with students from all representative groups and backgrounds and shared her love of learning with all who visited the library.”
Pamela MacMillan – Elementary Teacher, Slingerlands Elementary School (31 years)
“Pam’s students will always remember her creativity and warmth, her imaginative projects, her love of apples, and the many adventures shared with Pete the Cat. Pam created an environment where young learners felt inspired, supported, and excited to come to school. Pam brought so much to the Slingerlands school community.”
Elvis Mariapen – Automotive Mechanic, Transportation (8 years)
“The day Elvis left the building was a hard one for all of us. Elvis left a lasting impression on both the team and the workplace, and he is remembered with great appreciation and affection.”
Thomas Michaelek – Business Teacher, BCMS (29 years)
“Tom may hold the most certifications of any teacher in Bethlehem. He literally could be our Swiss Army Knife because of how many subject areas he is able to teach. He has been an outstanding colleague, mentoring countless staff members and maintaining strong relationships with everyone in the building.”
Sean Mooney – Special Education Teacher, BCHS (27 years)
“With his strong presence, big heart, and sense of humor, Sean connects with students in ways that make learning and athletics meaningful and memorable. Instrumental in building the Unified Sports program, Sean has helped students compete, connect, and build lasting friendships. His work has helped foster a culture of inclusion that continues to shape our school community.”
Sandra Mortensen – Assistant Transportation Supervisor (14 years)
“Sandra was a leading member of the BEATeam in Transportation, dedicating her time to visiting the elementary schools to teach bus safety and basic rules to the district’s youngest students. Sandra built strong relationships with department heads and worked very well with principals and parents alike.”
Joseph Nagengast – School Bus Driver, Transportation (9 years)
“Joe was a good driver. He logged many miles and will be missed by his students and colleagues. Joe had a positive impact beyond transportation with the donations he would make through his family’s florist business. We wish Joe a healthy and happy retirement!”
Susan Olthoff – Food Service Team Member, BCHS (20 years)
“Susan has been a dedicated employee and a strong advocate for making sure students are fed so they can learn, grow, and thrive. She is committed to making the best food possible. The pride and care Susan demonstrates is exactly what school food service should be about.”
George Petruska – Head Custodian, BCHS (36 years)
“As the high school’s head custodian, George has embraced what he likes to call “controlled chaos” and has helped ensure that one of BC’s busiest environments runs smoothly every single day. It is no small task, and George has handled it all with professionalism, steady leadership, and a great sense of humor.”
Dianna Reagan – Principal, Eagle Elementary School (37 years)
“Throughout her career, Dianna has been more than a building leader— she has been a leader across the entire district. Dianna’s voice is one of advocacy for both students and staff, and her decisions have always reflected a deep sense of integrity and purpose. Her impact has been both wide-ranging and meaningful.”
Cynthia Reiss – Elementary Teacher, Slingerlands Elementary School (32 years)
“Cyndi has been a committed educator and a valued colleague, known throughout her career for her warmth, dedication, and sense of humor. Cyndi’s years of service have left a lasting impact on her students, colleagues, and the entire Bethlehem community.”
Dena Sanders – Committee on Special Education (CSE) Chairperson (15 years)
“Dena has a way of cheering on her students, encouraging families, and making sure all are heard. That is her most incredible quality—she listens with such intent, and if you go to her for advice, she will give you a perspective you may not have anticipated. How lucky we are to have been blessed with Dena’s passion, commitment, and positivity for so long.”
Ellen Taussig – Assistant Director, Operations & Maintenance (5 years)
“We thank Ellen for her professionalism, reliability, and many contributions over the years. Her dedication and service have been greatly appreciated, and we wish her a fulfilling, healthy, and rewarding retirement.”
Todd Tyler – Science Teacher, BCMS (33 years)
“Todd’s excellence in the classroom is unmistakable. He doesn’t just teach physical science; he brings it to life. His classroom is a place where learning is active, engaging, and meaningful. He has created an environment where curiosity thrives and where students are expected to think deeply and work hard. And they rise to that challenge because he believes they can.”