Tribute to Mrs. Caldwell: Faculty Perspective

Written By Assistant Principal Fred Goldberg

It's hard to imagine the Assistant Principal's office at Scarsdale High School without Joanne Caldwell presiding. For the past 28 years, Ms. Caldwell has worked with six different assistant principals and has been the mainstay of that office. When I arrived here eleven years ago, my transition from the city and New Rochelle was relatively smooth because I could rely upon Joanne's experience and expertise to guide me in all matters from the most mundane to the most profound. Before I had an opportunity to consider what must be attended to next, Joanne would appear at my desk with a sheaf of papers to be signed, with a schedule of meetings to be attended, with a list of announcements to be made.

Through the years, we have developed what the old song called a "mutual admiration society."A kindred spirit from the Bronx, Joanne has a warm but sharp wit, and it is a pleasure to be in her company. Whether she is prepping me for a discussion with students or assessing the contractual implications for secretarial staff, her thoughts provide excellent insight as I move through the demands of my day. From the start, she has provided those around her with a reliable sounding board and a fine sense of perspective.

To be sure, Joanne is a fine example of the changing role of support staff. When she entered the profession, a secretary's time was often consumed by typing and taking shorthand. However, as technology advanced, and word processors and computers replaced Gregg and IBM Selectrics, Joanne helped shape the role of the administrative assistant in our building and usher in a new era. Now, in addition to her more traditional duties, Joanne interacts with dozens of students, parents, and staff each day, providing guidance, citing policy, and, yes, assigning detention. Well respected by her peers, Joanne joined Maureen McKenzie and Sara Mann as a leader of her union and helped negotiate the most recent contract for secretarial workers.

Now, it is time for Joanne to turn her attention away from the school and community she has served so ably for the past 28 years and toward the true joys in her life. She is the mother of two grown children and the adoring and adored grandmother of Lauren and Julia. Although I will certainly miss Joanne's daily presence in my life, I know that her family will be thrilled that Grandma Jo is now so much more accessible. I certainly join the Scarsdale High School staff in wishing Joanne a healthy and fruitful retirement.