July 31, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • Page 5 Ridgewood Executives, teachers hired for impending school year by John Koster The Ridgewood Board of Education has hired two new executives and four new teachers for the school year that will start in September. John Ryan Kenny was hired last week as manager of information technology effective Sept. 23, or earlier, if possible, at a salary of $130,000 a year pro-rated. He is currently the IT director of the nearby Westwood school system. Dr. Angelo DeSimone, school business administrator, who was honored at his retirement at the July 22 board meeting, had covered the IT job responsibilities over the past few months “even though it was not his area of exper- tise,” as the board’s resolution noted. DeSimone was praised for his financial acumen in tough times. The board also hired Kenneth Bovasso as purchasing coordinator at the business office effective Aug. 1 at a salary of $60,023. Andrew Couch was hired as a Latin teacher for the George Washington Middle School effective Sept. 23, or as soon as possible, at a salary of $61,923 pro-rated, with a BA degree at Step 8. Marissa Mahoney was hired as a collaborative special education teacher at the Benjamin Franklin Middle School starting Sept. 1 at a salary of $64,423 with an MA at Step 5. Megan Roeder was hired as a third grade teacher at the Hawes School at a salary of $65,923 with an MA and 30 additional credits. William Thoman was hired as a part-time music teacher for the Ridge and Willard schools at a salary of $12,485 for a part-time assignment. He has an MA. Stipends which totaled $86,703 were approved for Ridgewood High School Marching Band Co-Curricular activities. John Luckenbill, director, will receive $8,497 for the coming year. Meredith Gnerre, assistant director, will receive $3,642. Henry Heyzer and Steven Zimmerman, brass instructors, will receive $1,821 each. Aaron Palmer, color guard instructor, will also receive $1,821. Ryan Mallen, drill designer, will receive $3,642 as will pit per- cussion instructor Gary Fink, field percussion instructor Joseph Bergen, and twirler instructor Patricia Wojtowicz. Stipends were also approved in the total amount of $12,252 for the advisors on various topics at the Somerville Co-Curricular Activities program. Denise Guardino will receive $1,800 for the Orff Ensemble and Clef music activi- ties. Gabrielle King will receive $900 for the TV Club and another $900 for Safety Patrol, Amanda Zampolino will receive $900 for Intermediate Suzuki, and Samanatha Stankiewicz will receive $900 for the Sibling Group. Scott Lupia will receive $900 for the Recycling Club. Susan Foreman will receive $900 for the Literary Magazine, and Lauren Menzies and Lisa Callahan will receive $450 each for the Theater Club. Kathryn Reilly and Susan Foreman will receive $450 each for Student Council, and Gail Free- land will receive $400 for TV Club. Kerry Calaman will receive $312 for Quiz Bowl and $450 for the Continental Math League. Kathleen O’Rourke will also receive $450 for the Continental Math League. Jaime Koller will receive $450 for the Circus Club. Theresa Ross will receive $312 for Greek Mythology, Meredith McLaughlin and Lauren Majocha will each receive $312 for Running Club. The board also accepted donations with the largest donation $3,000 from Princeton University to be used to purchase technology for the Ridgewood Media Center. The Ridgewood High School Class of 2013 donated $2,610 to pay chaperone expenses at the prom. The Ridgewood High School Student Congress donated $505 to pay chaperone expenses for the Wiffle for Cancer Tour- nament. Edvocate donated $300 for the retirement dinner at the Education Center. The Ridgewood High School Band donated $126 to pay transportation expenses for the Ridgewood High School field trip to Montclair. Ahold Financial Services donated $101 for special education materials. Chorus sings at Boulders game Members of the Ridgewood-based Harmony Celebration Chorus sang the national anthem before a Rockland Boulders game. Their performance was greeted by cheers from the exuberant crowd. The all-female, 60 member a cappella chorus welcomes new singers any Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m. at Temple Israel, 475 Grove Street in Ridgewood. The chorus sings a diverse repertoire of music in their signature barbershop style. All ages and voice parts are welcome to audition. For more information, visit harmonycelebration.com. Funding has been made possible in part by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, through grant funds administered by the Bergen County Department of Parks, Division of Cultural and Historical Affairs.