15 Port Chester Educators Take Early Retirement, Saving District $500,000 in New Budget

Fifteen Port Chester educators have decided to take advantage an early retirement incentive program, saving the district an estimated $500,000 in the upcoming 2013-2014 budget.

While the program helps the district financially, school officials say it's a bitterweet moment for them because the district will be losing a combined total of 401.5 years of teaching experience as this group end their careers with Port Chester on June 30.

The retirements include four Port Chester High School science teachers. Among those leaving with the most time as a district employee is Mary Benoit, who has nearly 40 years with Port Chester.

The school board on Thursday voted to accept the retirements of the teachers:

- Mary Benoit, library media specialist at Port Chester Middle School; 39.5 years with the district.

- Alicia Brescia, Port Chester High School science teacher; 19 years with the district.

- Louis Catalan, ESL/Technology teacher at the middle school; 21 years with the district.

- Alan Cramer, Port Chester High School science teacher; 40.5 years with the district.

- Rosemary DeGeorge, elementary teacher at the middle school; 34 years with the district.

- Michael DeVito, Middle school English teacher; 30 years with the district.

- Anne Duckett, John F. Kennedy School elementary teacher; 19 years with the district.

- Margaret Muccia, Port Chester occupational therapist; 13 years with the district.

- David Smith, high school science teacher; 33 years with the district.

- Donna Smith, high school art teacher; 20 years with the district.

- George Straehle, high school science teacher; 16 years with the district.

- Judy Thomas, high school library media specialist; 31 years with the district.

- Diane Windas, high school math teacher; 35 years with the district.

- William Patrick Wynn, high school English teacher; 27.5 years with the district.

- Grace Young, elementary teacher in Port Chester; 23 years with the district.