California community pushes for recognition for late teacher
CALIFORNIA — Emotions ran high at the California Area School Board meeting as current and former students, parents and colleagues of the late Lori Confer Martin sought to have the long-time theater director and English teacher recognized in the district.
Martin passed away last year following a battle with cancer. She had taught and directed plays in the district for more than 30 years.
A plaque honoring Martin and a framed portrait of her were presented to the district with the request that they be placed outside the auditorium. Current student Kimberly Sears made the presentation to the board at the beginning of the meeting. Board president Norm Hasbrouck thanked the teen and said the matter would be taken care of.
During public comment, the district was asked to clarify what would occur.
“The plaque will be hung up. The plaque is what was agreed to last October,” said Superintendent Linda Mancini.
Donna Lee Stone, a teacher in the district, disputed that, saying Mancini and high school principal (now superintendent-elect) Brian Jackson had agreed to both the plaque and the picture. Barb Gismondi of Elco, who worked on the high school musicals for 26 years along side Martin, said she had actually sent a letter to Mancini proposing that the auditorium be named in honor of Martin.
“She imparted amazing qualities in our students,” Gismondi said. “She has been a true inspiration to many.”
Gismondi said she never received a response to her letter.
“I was told it was policy that nothing in this district would be named after an individual. I thought that policy needed to be revisited,” Gismondi said.
Hasbrouck clarified that there actually is no policy regarding naming district facilities after individuals and that perhaps it is an issue the board needs to address.
“The board needs to discuss a policy for recognizing individuals who have contributed to the school district. Thank you for getting the ball rolling,” Hasbrouck said.
Hasbrouck said the plaque will be hung outside the auditorium immediately and suggested that the portrait be taken for safe storage until the matter of whether it will be hung is decided.
School director Jennifer Griffin suggested a compromise, perhaps a redesigned plaque with Martin’s photo on it instead of the framed 16×20 portrait along with the plaque.
“This is the compromise. We asked if we could name the auditorium and we were told no. This is the compromise. It’s paid for; it’s done. If you need one of us to hang it up, I’m sure we could do that as well,” said recent graduate Mary Sears, Kimberly’s sister.