Big changes in administration are coming for the school district. Mr. Don Hutchinson, the district Transportation Supervisor, announced his resignation last month. Mr. Hutchinson has worked in the Transportation Department for thirty-three years, beginning in 1983, as a mechanic.  But in 1993, he became the Transportation supervisor.  He started at Alden after serving in the Air Force, and he continued to serve in the Reserves during most of his career at Alden.  Mr. Hutchinson’s administrative assistant, Susan Bush, also announced her retirement, in October.  She has worked at Alden for twenty-two years.  Their colleagues don’t want to see them leave but are keeping their minds open to the changes ahead of them.

Mrs. Melanie Monacelli, the the current Intermediate School Principal, is also retiring at the end of December.  Mrs. Monacelli has worked at Alden for fifteen and a half years as well.  She has filled various administration positions throughout her time at the District, including the Principal of the Primary and Intermediate Schools, as well as the Assistant Principal at the Middle School.  Mrs. Monacelli plans to get a part-time job after retirement and move to California near her children and grandchildren.

Mrs. Olka, a music teacher, has worked in various buildings alongside Mrs. Monacelli for the full fifteen years.  She said Mrs. monacelli is overall a great person who has faith in the teachers and their abilities to conduct their classes.  Mrs. Olka also said, looking ahead to the future, that change is a good thing and “the next person  is probably going to bring some fresh ideas, which we’re always open to.”