Deer Park School District Unit members keep local schools running

DEER PARK — CSEA members working for the Deer Park School District are dedicated to serving local children.

From maintenance workers to teacher aides, our members work diligently to make sure the district runs like clockwork.

With a unit that has more than 200 members and serves more than 4,000 students, there is an incredible amount of work that needs to be done.

“Our unit’s workday starts at 5:30 a.m. and stretches until midnight,” Deer Park School District Unit President Larry Mangan said.

Our members take additional pride in their work because many of them live in the community.

“A lot of our members were either community members before they started their job or became one after the fact,” Mangan said. “They have a vested interest in making sure this district operates at its best.”
And our members’ dedication stretches beyond the school buildings.

“Our grounds workers act like the school yard is their yard. Our custodians work like they’re cleaning their own building,” Mangan said. “For maintenance, the safety of the kids comes first.”

More than anything, unit members would like the general public to be aware of their contributions.

“When your child arrives to school safe and sound, when you see how clean the school district buildings are or how nicely the grounds are being kept,” Mangan said. “The public needs to know that our union members are responsible for that.”

— Wendi Bowie

: The IT Department prepares school tablets. Back row, Steven Berry and Patricia Price. Front row, Andrew Cuniowski and Monique Spence.

: Custodian John Giffone, a 32-year employee of the Deer Park School District, prepares for a maintenance job at the high school.

: Custodian John Giffone checks the vents in one of Deer Park High School’s many classrooms.

: In pupil personnel, members work on special projects involving special education and the Individualized Education Program. From left, Deer Park School District Unit Treasurer Kathy Tarzi, Clara Dedona, Esther Fullam and Lisa Martin.

: Audio Visual Specialist Catherine Thompson is responsible for a variety of duties such as preparing school IDs and assisting students with their audio needs for school plays.

: Clerk/Typists working in the Deer Park High School’s main office are preparing for the school year by updating class lists, offering student support and helping to facilitate relationships between different departments. From left, Holly Gaare, Theresa Sepe, Kim Valenti and, seated, Nichole Hotchkiss.

: Joe Viglione transports an item to its proper location in Deer Park High School.

: Linda Martinez is busy doing paperwork at the district’s business office.

: Deer Park School District print shop workers make sure their latest project is correct. Front row, John Nelson. Back row, Marion O’Brien and Deer Park School District Unit President Larry Mangan, who works in the print shop.