Benjamin Banneker Elementary School Named
Top Energy Saver of the Month
Benjamin Banneker Elementary School achieved top energy savings for the month of November 2008, with a 28 percent reduction in electric consumption, compared to the month of November 2007. The school saved $2,700.00.
"Benjamin Banneker Elementary School is to be commended for their savings," said Dr. Michael J. Martirano, superintendent of schools. "They, like all St. Mary's County Public Schools sites, are aggressively taking steps to conserve energy."
The energy savings flag was presented to Benjamin Banneker Elementary School the morning of December 19, during the school's morning announcements. The flag will be flown at the school for approximately one month before being presented to the school that achieves this honor for the month of December.
Administrative Appointments Announced
Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Michael J. Martirano, announces the administrative appointments made by the Board of Education at its meeting of December 10, 2008.
The Board appointed Mr. Gregory Nourse to the position of director of fiscal services. Mr. Nourse most recently served as the assistant superintendent for business and management services for Anne Arundel County Public Schools. His experience also includes serving as an associate superintendent for business and management services, assistant superintendent for finance and facilities construction, acting assistant superintendent for finance and facilities construction, and director of budget and finance. Mr. Nourse, who completed a senior executive institute at the University of Virginia in 1992, earned a Master's degree in public administration from the University of Baltimore, and a Bachelor's degree in recreation education from Cortland State University.
The Board also appointed Ms. Leyla Mele to the position of accountant in the Department of Fiscal Services. Ms. Mele most recently served as a budget officer for Banner Health in Sun City, Az. Her experience also includes serving as a reimbursement & financial analyst with Banner Health, a Medicare auditor with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Az., and an accountant with Bergen Regional Medical Center in NJ. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va.
December Work Hard And Be Nice Award Recipients Announced
St. Mary's County Public Schools' (SMCPS) Work Hard and Be Nice Award recognizes distinct and extraordinary accomplishments of school system employees in connection with official employment. Dedicated employees contribute to the success of the school system and our students. Award recipients enhance both the success and the reputation of the school system through their extraordinary actions.
Each month, staff members are recognized for going above and beyond the call of duty. Dr. Michael J. Martirano, superintendent of schools, is proud to announce the award recipients for the month of December 2008:
Jacqueline Acevedo-Pedragon
Marian Barracchini
Darrell Blockmon
Ellynne Davis
Diana Dawson
Eva Donahue
Sandra Flowers
Diana Fulinara
Ronald Grosche
Shawn Hughes
Bonnie Kelly
Diane Kelly
Elizabeth Luginbill
Linda Lymas
Becky MacFarland
Giuseppin "Pina" Mercardo
Margaret Olson
Debra Pearce
Carol Poe
Luanne Ruonavar
Angie Schaeffer
For more information about the SMCPS Work Hard And Be Nice Award program, or to nominate a school system employee, visit
www.smcps.org/offices/boe/super/WHBNaward.shtml.