Beloved Board of Education member, Richard Feller, says goodbye after 21 years of service

After 21 years of dedicated service, the Monticello School community said farewell to one of its most beloved Board of Education members. Board Vice President Richard Feller humbly accepted a commemorative plaque from Superintendent of Schools Dr. Patrick Michel and board President Alyce Van Etten on June 3, 2010 – the last of his more than 600 meetings since being elected to the board in 1989.

“The Monticello School Board will especially miss Richard’s sense of humor, his knowledge and respect of educational law, and his ability to explain things in a way that we can understand,” said Ms. Van Etten, who has served on the board with Mr. Feller for the past 18 years. “Richard’s ability to demonstrate unconditional fairness, solid ethical standards, and endless compassion for students, staff and community is an example we will look to for years to come.”

During his years of service, Mr. Feller served as the board president and vice president, was the Monticello delegate to the Sullivan County School Board Association and served on the Board of Directors for the New York State School Board Association (NYSSBA). He also received many honors including the NYSSBA Master of Boardsmanship Award and the Mid-Hudson School Study Council Award for Excellence in School Board Service.

“I have enjoyed serving my community,” said Mr. Feller. “Now I’ll have the time to spend more time with my family.”

Photos: Monticello Board of Education Vice President Richard Feller, center, accepts a plaque commemorating his 21 years of service from Superintendent of Schools Dr. Patrick Michel and board President Alyce Van Etten.

Monticello Board of Education Vice President Richard Feller at his last board meeting after 21 years of service. Also pictured is board member Jo-Ann Peabody.