The Katonah-Lewisboro school board awarded tenure to 10 district staff members during Thursday’s board of education meeting.
 
The annual ceremony took place inside the theater John Jay Middle School in front of an audience of family, friends and colleagues. The John Jay High School Vocal Jazz Ensemble gave a brief performance near the start of the program before the tenure candidates were introduced by their respective building adminstrators.
 
Tenure is granted to a district employee after a three-year probationary period, during which employees write annual goals and are observed and evaluated on their associated job tasks. Tenure indicates a permanent employment status.
 
“Tonight you are recognized for your professionalism, dedication, commitment, values  and for demonstrating the qualifications we believe to be indicators of a successful educator,” said Carol Ann Lee, the district’s assistant superintendent for human resources. “We applaud your achievement and extend our support for you continued success and achievements.”
 
The ceremony was bittersweet for Li Lai Ng-Luongo. Although she received tenure, her teaching assistant position was terminated during the June 1 school board meeting.
 
“It’s an honor to receive tenure,” Ng-Luongo said. “But there’s a  lot of mixed emotions because my position was laid off.”

The board also honored Troy Chryssos, who served as the board’s student representative this year, and Eve Hundt, who is finishing her last term on the board after serving on it for six years.

Here’s a list of the individuals who were given tenure Thursday:

District

Barbara Milone, school social worker

John Jay High School

Jennifer Carde, school psychologist

Christopher Griffin, director of guidance

Therese VonSteenburg, English teacher

Elizabeth Krissoff, teaching assistant

John Jay Middle School

Monica Bermiss, assistant principal

Anne Doebler, teaching assistant

Diana Keith, English and special education teacher

Li Lai Ng-Luongo, teaching assistant

Katonah Elementary School

Whitney Zorn, teaching assistant