Freehold Township Bids Farewell to Retiring Teachers, Superintendent

The Freehold Township Board of Education recognized Superintendent William J. Setaro, retiring teachers, and staff members who have worked in the district for 25 years during Tuesday night’s meeting at West Freehold Elementary School.

Setaro, who was appointed superintendent in July 2006, retires at the end of the month. Tuesday was his last board meeting before Ross Kasun takes the reins as the district’s new superintendent.

“This truly has been a family. This is a special community. It’s a community in which everyone values education. I’ve never heard any one say ‘no’ when it comes to the children’s education,” Setaro said. “I’ll never miss the job, because it’s a very difficult job and it’s only getting tougher, but I will miss the people.”

Board of Education President Mindy Wille credited Setaro with guiding the district during difficult years for New Jersey public education.

“Life in the new New Jersey is an ever-changing landscape and we have struggled to maintain the excellent programs and staff. To do this, hard decisions had to be made, but Bill always kept the education of children his top priority and his legacy will reflect that,” Wille said.

The Board of Education also honored two teachers retiring this year. Marilyn Grabowski spent 19 years teaching in the district, most recently teaching second grade at Joseph J. Catena Elementary School. The board presented Grabowski with a copy of The True Story of Mary Who Wanted to Stand on Her Head by Jane Godwin which will be inscribed with her name and placed in the Joseph J. Catena Elementary School library. The title was chosen because Grabowski would stand on her head each year during a lesson in order to inspire her students.

Michele Lucas spent 36 years in the district as an elementary school teacher, a reading specialist, and a learning disabilities teaching consultant, most recently in West Freehold Elementary School. She was presented with a copy of Skippyjon Jones by Judy Schachner, which will also be inscribed with her name and donated to the West Freehold Elementary School library.

The Board of Education capped off the recognitions for the evening with proclamations for teachers and staff members who dedicated 25 years in the district.

“Any organization needs to recognize those people who dedicate their lives,” Setaro said.