31/08/2026
The South Orangetown Middle School auditorium was filled with smiles and positive energy this morning as the South Orangetown Central School District officially welcomed new and returning faculty and staff members to the 2026-27 school year.
In his kickoff keynote address, Superintendent of Schools Brian Culot, Ed.D., emphasized the importance of human connection and the strong relationships that staff build both with their students and each other. “Generations have come through these classrooms and the opportunity has never been greater for us to keep helping our students achieve and be productive, responsible citizens to build a better future and world for everyone. It’s because our staff is so thoughtful and caring that our students see this modeled every day,” noted Culot. “There’s a lot of school pride in South Orangetown, and I am so proud and honored to be a part of it.” Dr. Culot and Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Rudy Arietta, Ed.D. spoke about the ongoing work on the SOCSD Profile of a Graduate and what that looks like across each school building and age level.
Board of Education President Tracy Holihan joined staff virtually with a pre-recorded message sharing her heartfelt thanks for the dedication of our staff. “As we begin a new school year, I want to express our appreciation for the dedication, passion and hard work that you bring to our district each and every day. We’re grateful for your commitment to creating a safe, supportive and inspiring environment where every student has the opportunity to learn, grow and succeed,” she said.
“Our students are going to be walking through the doors, excited to see their friends, eager to get back to learning and ready for all the opportunities and experiences a new school year brings. We are the people who get to help make that excitement and enthusiasm come to life every day,” shared Educators’ Association of South Orangetown President Ronald Scherer during his remarks.
At the heart of this morning’s event, 30 veteran SOCSD employees were celebrated for reaching career milestones in 2025-26:
🔴 30 Years:
Daniel Carpio, Custodial Worker- TZHS
Beth Kaplan, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant- WOS
Greg Laskow, Teacher-TZHS
Steven Rogo, Teacher-TZHS
Stephen Sutton, Teacher-TZHS
🔴 25 Years:
Irene Alvarado, Teacher-CLE
George Gaine, Teacher-TZHS
Danelle Greene, Teacher- CLE
Denise Healy, Teacher-CLE
Sarah Kukla, Teacher-SOMS
Kathleen Leuzzi, Teacher-SOMS
Christine Richards, Teaching Assistant-TZHS
Scott Silver, Teacher-TZHS
Katrina Smith, Teacher-CLE
Jaime Tan, Teacher-CLE
Mary Ann Wood, Teacher-SOMS
🔴 20 Years:
James Amandola, Teacher-SOMS
Valerie Anelli, Teacher’s Aide-WOS
Maria Bruno, Teacher-TZHS
Denise Caunitz, Teacher-CLE
Steven Cohn, Teacher-TZHS
Andy DiDomenico, Teacher-TZHS
James Ferraro, Teacher-TZHS
Chris Lorusso, Teacher-TZHS
Kathy Moore, Teacher-TZHS
Emer O’Riordan, Secretarial Assistant-Central Office
Candace Perkins, Purchasing Supervisor-Central Office
Jon Rand, Teacher-WOS
Marybeth Shanley, Principal Clerk-TZHS
Beth Speno, Teacher-CLE
Welcome back, SOCSD staff!
