Two staff members receive COSBA Awards
Two Jordan-Elbridge staff members are being honored at this year’s COSBA (Cayuga-Onondaga School Board Association) Award Ceremony. Food Service Supervisor William Vita is being recognized as ‘Supervisor of the Year,’ and Elbridge Elementary’s head custodian Alan Foster is being recognized as ‘Non-Instructional Support Staff of the Year.’Bill Vita’s dedication goes above and beyond to address the needs of Jordan-Elbridge School District students. When we first entered the pandemic, Bill helped prepare and coordinate 89,085 breakfasts and 103,293 lunches from March 16, 2020, to August 31, 2021. He also ensured families had access to meals during holiday breaks. His positive attitude is infectious, spreading to the rest of the food service staff, and to the students he serves.
“He always has a smile on his face and is ready to respond to students with kind words or a quick one liner that will brighten your day,” said JEHS Principal Mark Schermerhorn, when nominating Bill for this award.
Al Foster has been with the district for 15 years and said to be recognized by those he works with means a lot. Al hasn’t missed a single day of work in more than two years. He reports to work early, ensuring EE’s before-school program runs smoothly, is quick to respond in an emergency, and leads his custodial staff by example. Throughout the pandemic, our school would not have been able to stay open 5 days a week if it weren’t for Al’s tireless efforts. Even in trying times, Al approaches each day with a positive attitude.
“These students never cease to amaze me,” said Al, when asked his favorite part about working at EE. “They come up with some of the funniest comments about topics that only 3–8-year-olds would think of.”
EE Principal Brooke Bastian, who nominated Al for the award, said he’s known for personally greeting students and parents each morning, and even holding hands with some of the school’s littlest learners while escorting them to class.
Thank you for all that you do, Bill and Al!