Rocky Point employee says goodbye to school district

Rocky Point employee says goodbye to school district

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Evelyn Gallino poses for a photo with her retirement plaque. Photo from Gallino

The Rocky Point School District is losing one of its veterans.

On Jan. 11, the school district’s board of education announced the retirement of long-time employee Evelyn Gallino, who has been a senior clerk/typist. Her last day will be Feb. 26.

Gallino started working for the school district in 1982 as a minibus driver before taking a hiatus to raise her five children. Since she returned to the district in 1993 as a lunch monitor, she has worked her way up. After taking on a management project archiving files and establishing archives for the school, the school district offered her a position in the Building and Grounds Department in January 2001.

While Gallino has enjoyed her 34 years of service, family is still a top priority for the 61-year-old Rocky Point resident. The retirement age might be 65, but Gallino wanted to retire to be closer to her family and tend to her grandchildren.

“My daughter [and her children] moved to Omaha, Nebraska last year. I miss them terribly and I want to visit more,” Gallino said. She added that her son who lives in Mastic also welcomed a baby around three months ago.

But Gallino doesn’t just assist her family. She assists anyone in need.

“If she knows that you’re in trouble for whatever reason, she will be the first to help you problem solve or direct you where to get help,” Dorothy Tis said.

Gallino and Tis met more than 20 years ago when their children attended Frank J. Carasiti Elementary School together. Around 12 years ago, Tis was in one of the school district’s parking lots when her car wouldn’t start. Gallino came to her aide when she recommended her brother-in-law, who was a mechanic.

As a long-time employee, Gallino has also acquired a wealth of knowledge that helps other employees in the school district.

“She could tell us who did what job, how many years ago, how it was fixed, if the contractors did a good job … she just knows the [school] district,” said Greg Hilton, school business official for the district.

Gallino attributed her vast array of knowledge concerning the school district to her decades of service in the district and her simple curiosity.

“I like to know how things work and why, and if we fix something, why are we fixing it that way,” Gallino said.

Hilton added that Gallino takes pride in her work and community. Before working in the Rocky Point school district, Gallino was the president of the Rocky Point Civic Association when Councilwoman Jane Bonner (C-Rocky Point) served in the association. According to Gallino, she was also one of two people who helped bring the football program to Rocky Point several years ago. Her husband, Anthony Gallino, is also the fire commissioner for Rocky Point.

Although Gallino will remain in the Rocky Point community, fellow school district employee Melissa Mood said her caring and considerate personality will be missed. Mood added that Gallino’s retirement is “going to be a big loss” for the school district. The two met around 25 years ago.

Rocky Point School District Superintendent Michael Ring said Gallino held many positions during her years in the school district. According to Ring, she’s executed her responsibilities over the years with expertise and professionalism — qualities that made her an asset to the district.

“There was no problem too large or small that Ms. Gallino wouldn’t enthusiastically embrace,” Ring said in an email. “I will personally miss her positive and energetic style and feel fortunate to have worked alongside her during her tenure at Rocky Point.”