DiLorenzo to retire after school year
After 20 years with Washington School District and 43 years in education, Dr. Roberta DiLorenzo will retire from her position as superintendent, effective June 30, 2017.
“I certainly enjoyed and loved my tenure. It’s been a privilege to serve the students and families, and work with dedicated board and staff,” she said. “I just feel like it’s time to move on.”
The board of school directors accepted her retirement during a reorganization meeting Monday.
DiLorenzo, who started at the district as director of pupil personnel, started as superintendent in 1999. She is proud that Washington has many opportunities for students.
“Our students are receiving personalized, individualized education. A lot of systems are in place to allow students to progress at their rate,” DiLorenzo said.
She noted the district’s cyber program and a rigorous curriculum that allows for secondary education preparation, including the possibility of earning as many as 41 college credits.
“Our students receive many opportunities at no cost,” she said. “We provide opportunities for the whole child and remove challenges, so that all students can receive a quality education.”
One such program is the district’s meal program. Starting with the 2015-16 school year, all 1,500 students receive free breakfast and lunch through the Community Eligibility Provision of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010.
In addition to educational opportunities and renovations to all the district’s buildings and stadium, DiLorenzo is proud the district continues to offer courses in the arts.
“Fine arts are alive and well,” she said. “We provide free instruments for fifth- and sixth-(grade) band students and have expanded our art curriculum, even over the years as there were overall financial concerns statewide.”
The district will begin the search for her replacement soon and will use a search and human resources committee to find candidates.
“I feel greatly privileged to have served the district and worked with the most knowledgeable, dedicated staff of professionals around,” DiLorenzo said.
She concluded a retirement letter to the board by stating, “Washington School District will always be the best example of serving the whole child, where decisions are student centered and where we consistently demonstrate our motto, ‘Together We Make a Difference.'”