MONROE, CT — Acting Superintendent of Schools Joseph Kobza announced new appointments during Monday night’s Board of Education meeting.
When Kobza was asked to leave his role as assistant superintendent to lead the district on a temporary basis following Jack Zamary’s paid suspension, one of the first calls he received was from Jockey Hollow Principal Jack Ceccolini, who offered to do anything he could to help.
Now it will be in a more official capacity. Ceccolini has been appointed acting assistant superintendent of schools.
Ceccolini came to Monroe public schools as principal of Chalk Hill School in 1986, when Kobza was a student there.
Leigh Ances, who played a major role in starting up the school district’s STEM Academy, was appointed as Fawn Hollow Elementary School’s new principal, following the retirement of Rebecca Kosisko.
“Fawn Hollow is in great hands,” Kobza said, adding Kosisko will always be a phone call away.
Darlene Fensore, who started her education career as a paraprofessional in Stratford in 1986 before being hired as a special education teacher in Monroe in 2011, was appointed director of Student Support Services, a role she filled since Kay Moser left the district.
Interim assistant director of Student Services, Jennifer Parsell, also earned her title on a more permanent basis. Parsell was Monroe’s Teacher of the Year in 2015, when she was a transition counselor in the district.
Kobza called these appointments a “shot in the arm,” allowing the district to fill key positions while steadying itself for the future.
Jennifer Aguilar, a town councilwoman, congratulated everyone on their new positions, as well as the retirees. She fondly recalled her days working with Kosisko as a PTA president.
“She’s just a great educator,” Aguilar said of Kosisko. “I just want to thank you for your support for the district. Thank you Becky.”
Theresa Oleyar also congratulated everyone on their new positions, with a personal congratulations to Ances.
“Leigh Ances has been instrumental to my children’s education and she will be sorely missed by STEM,” Oleyar said.
2020’s Retirees
Chairman Donna Lane said it was unfortunate that there was no reception for the school district’s retirees this year.
All of the retirees will me honored at next board meeting. Notifications of retirements on Monday’s agenda included:
Jeanne Herring, a reading teacher at Fawn Hollow Elementary School
Nancy Mazzuoccolo, administrative assistant for Central Office
Steve Speanburg, security, Masuk High School
