Vinnie Greco, Ray DeRosario announce retirements

A number of key personnel will be retiring at the end of this school year from the Algoma District School Board, trustees learned tonight.

The retirements include Vin Greco, principal at Sir James Dunn Collegiate and Vocational School; Carol Neave, principal at Central Algoma Secondary School in Desbarats; and Robert McEachren, principal of Rockhaven School for Exceptional Children in Serpent River.

Greco, also known as CBC Sudbury's wine commentator, has been at the Dunn a little over five years.

In a surprise announcement, the board also disclosed that Director of Education Ray DeRosario (shown) has given verbal notice of his intent to retire.

DeRosario started his teaching career at the Dunn in 1973. A former professional engineer, he began there as a math teacher.

'Time to saddle up'

"It's been quite a ride, but it's time to saddle up and move on," DeRosario said last night.

His retirement officially begins on December 31, but with accumulated vacation time owing he's also expected to be gone in July.

"It will be a great loss to our system," said board chair Wanda McQueen.

All-day senior kindergarten gets go-ahead

There was no official vote, but trustees agreed tonight to allow parents to register their children now for full-day senior kindergarten in September.

Trustees indicated they support the initiative and will approve it when they develop their annual budget.

The cost of the change is expected to be about $350,000.

Last week, the Huron-Superior Catholic District School approved all-day senior kindergarten classes.

Two-year agreement with CUPE

Trustees also ratified a two-year agreement with Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 16, representing 200 caretaking, maintenance and technical employees.

The agreement includes an average increase in salaries and benefits of 3.5 percent in the first year and two percent in the second year.