At the April 8th BOE (Board Of Education) meeting, it was announced that EJF/Aldene Elementary School Principal Virginia ‘Gina’ Gilcrest would be retiring at the end of the 2013-14 school year. During the public portion of the meeting, Jodie Foy spoke regarding Principal Gilcrest’s retirement, “On behalf of the Aldene faculty and the Aldene PTO (Parent Teacher Organization), I would just like to congratulate Mrs. Gilcrest on her retirement and thank her for all her years of service to the students and teachers… She will be greatly missed.”
The comments were followed a standing ovation from the over 75 people in attendance at the meeting. Ms. Gilcrest, also in the audience, humbly accepted the applause of admiration.
“It has been a privilege to have spent my entire career in this wonderful community with such supportive superintendents, Pat Spagnoletti and Pedro Garrido, dedicated Board members, a staff that is second to none, committed caring parents, and hard-working respectful students,” said Principal Gilcrest when reached for comment, “I was so fortunate to have been hired in 1971 by [Roselle Park] Middle School principal Roy Dragon. He was, and still, is such an incredible role model for me. I learned so much working as a fifth grade teacher at Aldene under Charles Costanzo and I was honored to have been mentored by Tom Faria and Jim Banyas when I became principal. To have been a part of such a special school district has truly been a blessing. I leave with nothing but happy memories.”
Ms. Gilcrest’s resignation was accepted by the Board and an advertisement has already been placed to look for a new principal. School Superintendent Pedro Garrido has commented that he expects to start holding interviews and hopes to have a replacement named by the last BOE meeting in June to allow time to prepare for the 2014-15 school year.