The Academies of Danbury High School

The Academies of Danbury High School

retirees

Years of Service, Lifetimes of Impact

Grace Fernandez

June 15, 2026

This year, Danbury Public Schools proudly celebrates 33 retirees and the many years of service they have dedicated to our students, families, and schools. This year, Danbury Public Schools proudly celebrates 33 retirees whose dedication, service, and commitment have made a lasting impact on our students, families, and schools. Together, these remarkable individuals represent an incredible 778 years of service to our district- a testament to the passion, care, and excellence that define Danbury Public Schools. From kitchen aides and support staff to teachers, paraeducators, and administrators, their commitment has helped shape the heart of our district.

  • Courtney Allen, Teacher, Rogers Park – 28 years

  • Felipe Alonso, Custodian, Westside – 6 years

  • Deborah Brenner, Teacher, King Street Primary – 35 years

  • Teresa Buescher, Paraeducator, Ellsworth Ave – 40 years

  • Catherine Buhrman, Teacher, Hayestown – 33 years

  • Gwendolyn Davidson, Teacher, South Street – 28 years

  • Paul Degener, Teacher, Broadview – 14 years

  • Margaret Durkin, Principal, Ellsworth Avenue – 34 years

  • Craig Fay, Teacher, South Street – 25 years

  • Israel Feliciano, School Psychologist, Rogers Park – 7 years

  • Augusto Gomes, Administrator, Central Office – 33 years

  • Deborah Hyde, Nurse, Broadview – 10 years

  • Kerry Johnston, Teacher, Morris Street – 33 years

  • Beverly Knisley, Accounts Payable, Central Office – 31 years

  • Laura Locke, HR Generalist, Central Office – 18 years

  • Lydia Maury, Teacher, South Street – 10 years

  • Carolyn Mc Garry, Special Education Tutor, Danbury High School – 26 years

  • Victor Mitchell, Custodian, Western Academy of International Studies – 13 years

  • Micheline Montanaro, Special Education Tutor, Broadview – 15 years

  • Peter Obre, Teacher, King Street Intermediate – 13 years

  • Elena Patton, HR Admin Assistant, Central Office – 34 years

  • Thomas Porcelli, Teacher, Danbury High School – 28 years

  • Joseph Redendo, Teacher, Danbury High School – 3 years

  • Anna Rocco, Administrator, Central Office – 40 years

  • Linda Rosso, Secretary, Hayestown – 28 years

  • Maria Santo, Kitchen Aide, Stadley Rough – 25 years

  • Sonia Saraceni, Teacher, Granville – 28 years

  • Lynn Schoonmaker, Special Education Secretary, Central Office – 29 years

  • Hollice Schweitzer, Teacher, Great Plain – 29 years

  • Lauren Singer, Teacher, Mill Ridge Primary – 30 years

  • Thomas Sparaco, Teacher, Danbury High School – 7 years

  • Patricia Tarsi, Paraeducator, Danbury High School – 21 years

  • Ian Wilson, PE Teacher, Danbury Public School- 24 years

We also proudly honor this year’s Danbury Public Schools Teacher of the Year, Emily Pardalis, and Paraeducator of the Year, Lisa Sam, for their outstanding contributions to student success.

We extend our sincere gratitude to all of these dedicated individuals and wish our retirees continued health, happiness, and fulfillment in this well-deserved new chapter.