District Department Representatives

Every August, each district department is invited to select one outstanding member of its staff to recognize at a Board of Education meeting, just as school staff are recognized throughout the year. The following individuals were recognized on August 5th, 2025:

Adult & Community Education Department: Cheri Cipriano-DeBrew: Cheri is a dedicated and compassionate Case Manager for the English as a Second Language (ESL) program, known for going above and beyond to support her students and colleagues. Her warmth and empathy help create a welcoming environment where adult learners feel seen, heard, and valued. Cheri is highly organized and resourceful, ensuring that each student receives the guidance and services they need to succeed in school and life. Her ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds is one of her greatest strengths. Cheri consistently demonstrates professionalism, patience, and a strong commitment to equity in education. She is a team player who contributes thoughtful insight and positive energy to every collaboration. Cheri’s passion for helping others shines through in everything she does.

Athletics: Deana Dymond: Deana Dymond served as Account Clerk, providing steady, reliable support to the department’s daily operations. Deana handled a wide range of responsibilities with care and professionalism, including the purchasing of supplies for all athletic programs as well as health and physical education. She was always willing to assist coaches, officials, and athletic supervisors during every season, often going above and beyond to ensure everything ran smoothly. Her approachable nature, attention to detail, and tireless work behind the scenes made her a deeply valued member of the team and a key contributor to the ongoing success of the department. Deana’s dedication and quiet leadership left a lasting impact, and she will be sincerely missed in her retirement.

Family Support Center: Julie Vinkle: Julie Vinkle joined the Family Support Center as the Assistant Director and McKinney Vento Liaison in September 2024. She has been an immediate asset to the Center and is an amazing team player. Julie is an excellent problem solver. She is compassionate and caring, always willing to go the extra mile to assist clients and families with their needs. For these reasons, the Family Support Center has chosen to recognize Julie Vinkle for her hard work and dedication.

Finance Office: Kelly Rainey: Kelly Rainey serves in the Finance Office as Purchasing Agent. In this role, Kelly oversees school and district purchases, everything from office supplies and instructional materials to technology hardware and equipment. In a district our size, this is truly a tremendous undertaking. Kelly is known for maintaining exceptional relationships with vendors which results in the district spending less on purchases. She goes above and beyond to get the best possible price while still getting the best possible product or service.

Food Service Department: Valerie Remond: Val is the Cook Manager at Kenmore East High School. She is an exceptional leader who goes above and beyond to ensure every student receives nutritious, delicious meals each day. With remarkable organizational skills and a deep passion for food and student well-being, she manages the kitchen with efficiency, creativity, and care. From planning special menus that meet dietary needs to training and supporting kitchen staff, her dedication shines through in every aspect of her role.  Val's positive attitude, attention to hygiene, and commitment to creating a welcoming dining environment makes a real difference in the school community. Val's outstanding leadership not only fuels students bodies but also fosters a warm and inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels cared for.

Human Resources Office: Andrea Scheider: Andrea has been with Ken-Ton since 1996 when she began as a bus attendant substitute in 1996. She moved up through the ranks over the years first to bus driver, then transportation clerk, and finally payroll clerk in the Human Resources office in January of 2007. Andrea has a great sense of humor and never takes herself too seriously. She is very easy to work with and very easy going. Andrea tells it like it is, and also acts as the office historian, especially with regards to the transportation department. Over the years, she has also fashioned herself to be the office gardener, doing a wonderful job tending to all the plants in the HR Office. Without Andrea, the  office just wouldn't be the same.

Office of Data & Accountability/Central Registration Office: Melissa Starr: Melissa Starr has been a district employee for almost 20 years. Melissa worked in each of the district's schools in a variety of capacities and it was during her 9 years at Edison that she began to work at a much deeper level with student data and family engagement, serving as both the school’s lead attendance clerk and the Math AIS support clerk. These experiences laid the foundation for her current role as the Assistant School Registrar. As the first point of contact for new families, Melissa excels at creating a welcoming atmosphere, easing their concerns, and guiding them through the often overwhelming enrollment process. Her genuine commitment to supporting families during this important transition is something she takes great pride in, ensuring that families feel both valued and confident as they begin their journey with the district. Melissa’s dedication to both her work, staff, and family has been a consistent hallmark throughout her career. Her blend of being highly organized and efficient, along with her compassion and commitment makes her an invaluable asset to the district.

Office of Instruction: Alicia Ennis: Alicia Ennise serves as an Account Clerk overseeing school and district grants. She joined the team a year and a half ago and has proven to be a tremendous asset. She is naturally inquisitive, has demonstrated a deep investment in the work and the team, and always remains professional, diligent, and attentive. She is an excellent problem-solver and has introduced new systems and procedures that have made us operate even better than before. The value of her work can not be overstated.

Staff Development Center: Philip Jarosz: In addition to his full-time role as an Instructional Innovation Support Specialist and trusted technology guru for the district, Phil has volunteered for years as a representative on the Kenmore Staff Development Center Policy Board and was recently reelected as its Chair. His leadership and voice at the table have been instrumental in guiding the Center’s alignment with the NYS Teacher Center Grant and Board procedures. Phil’s passion for professional development shines through. He brings humor, wisdom, and deep experience to every meeting. For over a decade, he’s offered workshops that demystify technology for staff across the district, covering everything from Infinite Campus to Google to Canvas. Phil not only shares his expertise but does so in a way that makes all learners feel welcomed, empowered, and even excited to grow.

Student Services Office: Kerry Killian: Kerry Killian serves in the Student Services Office as Senior Clerk Typist. Kerry is an exceptional team member who brings strong organization, reliability, and a dedicated work ethic to everything she does. She consistently supports her colleagues and is always willing to lend a hand whenever needed. Kerry approaches each task with efficiency and embraces new challenges. Her positive attitude, quick wit, and great sense of humor create a welcoming and uplifting atmosphere, making her a valued presence in the department.

Technology Department: Christopher Galik: Christopher serves as a Micro Computer Technology Support Specialist and has has been a member of the Technology Services Department for 15 years. Christopher manages our wired and wireless network in the district and is in charge of the firewall and content filtering which keeps our students and staff safe and secure. Christopher is also our lead for all Apple products. In this way, he maintains all the Apple computers for our high school art students as well as iPads for our youngest students. Christopher's work can be felt at every level of our organization and we are grateful for his experience and expertise.

Transportation Department: Marie Orgek: Marie has been a bus driver in the district for 11 years. Marie possesses a combination of strong driving skills, excellent interpersonal abilities, and a commitment to safety and customer service. Marie's attributes include punctuality, attention to detail, and adaptability. Marie is a great bus driver who shows respect for the students, her colleagues, and all members of the Ken-Ton community.