The Appoquinimink Board of Education said “goodbye” to Board President Ed Czerwinski and honored his 10 years of service with certificates, gifts and a reception with cake at the board meeting June 9.
Superintendent Dr. Tony Marchio said when Czerwinski started in 1999, there were only five schools in the district, and thanks to Czerwinski’s dedication, there are 14 schools today.
“We started as a rural, folksy school district,” Marchio said. “With [Czerwinski’s] help, we have turned into a sophisticated district. We are going to miss you and there are no two ways about it.”
Among the gifts presented to Czerwinski were a lifetime athletic pass to all the schools in the district, a brick reading “Ed Czerwinski, We Salute Your Vision For 21st Century Schools,” a large cake in the shape of a brick, several certificates of appreciation and more.
Joanne Christian, vice president of the board, told Czerwinski that students, teachers and staff are losing a friend and his accountability has made a proactive board.
“I would not build a birdhouse without Ed first looking at it,” she said. “You have left the board with much added value then when you first found it.”
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Marion Proffitt told Czerwinski that when she first came to the district she didn’t know anyone, but he helped change that.
“I made a friend of Mr. Czerwinski,” she said. “You were my friend, you are my friend and will always be my friend.”
Bob Hershey, building and facilities supervisor for the district, addressed Czerwinski with a farewell. He said Czerwinski is one of the last board members to have been there when Hershey was hired.
“I thank you,” Hershey said.
After a reception, Czerwinski offered words of advice to the district.
“I hope you look at what you do with education because you have the chance to make changes,” he said. “It has been a pleasure to work with you all. I think we have always tried to do the right thing and move forward. There are a lot of proud memories and happy times with so many people here.”
