P.C. Schools moves quickly to fill administrative vacancies

A lot can happen in 10 minutes.

The Port Chester Board of Education met for a concise special meeting on Thursday, Sept. 1, where they accepted Superintendent Dr. Aurelia Henriquez’s proposals to hire three new administrators. By the end of the 10-minute session, crucial vacancies left behind by resignations and promotions were filled.

“The purpose of our meeting tonight is to make several important appointments,” Board of Education President Chrissie Onofrio said, opening the meeting after a prolonged executive session. “We are fortunate to have outstanding candidates for each position, and I know I am excited for all they have to offer Port Chester.”

Adam Rubin was hired as the district’s new director of facilities, a position that was long held by Ray Renda before he resigned at the end of the 2022-23 school year. Initially, the position was awarded to Michael Shore, who was appointed at the board’s Aug. 3 meeting with intentions to start on Aug. 29. However, Shore tragically and unexpectedly died before he could even start his first day.

Rubin is slated to officially begin at Port Chester Schools on Monday, Sept. 12.

At the regular Board of Education meeting on Aug. 25, the school board accepted the resignation of Felipe Orozco, the director of ELL and bilingual programs, who left Port Chester to become assistant superintendent for curriculum, instruction & equity at the Tarrytown School District.

At the special meeting, Valerie Lakestream was appointed to fill the role of director of ELL and bilingual programs. She begins on Oct. 3.

Lastly, with former Edison Elementary School Principal Ivan Tolentino taking a promotion to become the first executive director of human resources at Port Chester Schools, he left behind a critical position in the weeks leading up to the new school year.

Paul Roncagliolo was officially hired to fill the vacancy last Thursday.

His first day will be Wednesday, Sept. 21. In the meantime, Assistant Principal Erica Fuller is stepping up to serve as acting principal of Edison Elementary School.