Franklin Public Schools Celebrate Dedicated Retiring Employees

Franklin Public Schools recently showed appreciation to 23 employees who are retiring this school year. From left to right, Robert Vacca, Lisa Vetrano, Ann O’Keefe-Williams, Susan Childers, Kerry Richardson, Lisa Daly, Lauren Green, Jolene Cronin and Charlene Harn. (Photo Courtesy Franklin Public Schools)

FRANKLIN — Franklin Public Schools recently bid farewell and showed appreciation to 23 employees retiring this school year.

“Each of our retirees has helped shape the Franklin Public Schools community through years of service, care, and commitment to students, families, and colleagues,” said Superintendent Lucas Giguere. “Their work has strengthened our schools in ways that will continue well beyond their final year with us. We are deeply grateful for their dedication and wish them all the best in this next chapter.”

Each of the employees’ supervisors honored them publicly with statements, and each received certificates and a commemorative pin from the district.

The Franklin Education Association (FEA) also presented each retiring employee who was an FEA member with a certificate.

One retiree, Debbie Pittman, passed away on May 14, after 30 years of service to Franklin Public Schools and just two weeks shy of the farewell event.

“Debbie Pittman dedicated more than 30 years to the Franklin Public Schools community as our accounts payable clerk,” recalled School Business Administrator Jana Melotti. “But to those who had the privilege of working alongside her, Debbie was so much more than her title. She was a source of kindness, support, and grace.
Even throughout her long and courageous battle with cancer, Debbie carried herself with remarkable strength and dignity. Her resilience and dedication reflected the incredible person she was. She was always willing to help, offer guidance, and support those around her. That selfless spirit made her deeply respected and loved by so many colleagues and friends.”

The following district employees have retired this school year or will be retiring at the end of June:

• Donald Banks, Van Driver, 16 years of service  
• Susan Childers, HR Assistant, 27 years of service  
• Jennifer Clifford, Van Driver, 11 years of service  
• Tricia Constantine, Reading Teacher, 18 years of service  
• Linda Cournoyer, Speech/Language Therapist, 13 years of service  
• Jolene Cronin, Grade 5 Teacher, 27 years of service  
• Lisa Daly, School Nurse,15 years of service  
• Kathleen Doherty, Educational Support Professional, 24 years of service  
• Lauren Green, Educational Support Professional, 26 years of service  
• Charlene Harn, Educational Support Professional, 25 years of service  
• Kelly Hurley, Solutions Site Director, 7 years of service  
• Debbie Irvine, Assistant School Business Administrator, 1 year of service  
• Karen Leenhouts, ABA Tutor, 20 years of service  
• Laura Manocchio, Educational Support Professional, 14 years of service  
• Ann O’Keefe-Williams, Grade 4 Teacher, 32 years of service  
• Debbie Pittman, Accounts Payable Clerk, 30 years of service  
• Kerry Richardson, School Nurse, 14 years of service  
• Janet Turner, Data Reporting Specialist, 8 years of service  
• Keith Turner, Grade 6 Science Teacher, 30 years of service  
• Robert Vacca, Grade 8 Social Studies Teacher, 30 years of service  
• Lisa Vetrano, Grade 6 Math Teacher, 23 years of service  
• Leisa Winrich, Special Education Teacher, 26 years of service  
• Marianne Zogby, DLI Teacher, 17 years of service

“Each individual on this list of retiring employees exhibited their daily dedication to our students every morning they woke up and commuted to work,” said Franklin Public Schools Director of Human Resources Ken Storlazzi. “Their steadfast professionalism and on-the-job efforts are truly appreciated.”
 

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