The School Committee held its annual ceremony on June 2 to honor the members of Belmont Public Schools who are retiring this year.
There are six staff and educators who are retiring, though only four were formally read into the record.
“I want to thank our retiring teachers, whose careers have spanned many years of dedication, growth, and transformation,” said Superintendent Jill Geiser. “You have guided students through many years of changes in education, always with grace, adaptability, and the belief in the power of education. Through it all, you continue to shape generations of learners with your wisdom and heart.”
Kenneth Kramer, the former director of student services, Denise LaPolla, a special educator at the middle school, Marcia Woodbury, a food services employee at Winn Brook Elementary, and Divino Roza, the head custodian at Burbank Elementary, are retiring.
Kenneth Kramer
Kramer retired in January after 20 years in the Student Services office. He began his career in Florida, working with adults and families in mental health and recovery centers before coming to Belmont as the assistant director of Student Services in 2006.
He became director in 2008.
“Throughout his tenure, Ken remained deeply committed to ensuring that every student received individualized, compassionate, and high-quality support,” said committee member Zehra Abid-Wood. “…His love for public education and his commitment to our students and families have left an indelible mark on the Belmont Public Schools community.”
Denise LaPolla
LaPolla is retiring after 30 years in Belmont schools. LaPolla began her career as a substitute teacher in 1993 before accepting a position as a professional medical aide at Belmont High School. She earned her master’s degree in education and became a special education teacher at the Chenery Upper Elementary School.
She has been a special education teacher at the middle school since 2023. LaPolla has held leadership positions in the Belmont Education Association and was a founding member of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Well-Being (DEIW) hiring and retention team.
“Denise helped shape the leadership and direction of Belmont Public Schools for generations of students and staff,” said committee member Brian Palmer. “She has been a tireless advocate for students, a trusted colleague, a mentor to many, and a champion for equity and inclusion. Her influence can be seen not only in the lives of the countless students she supported, but also in the stronger, more inclusive school community she helped build.”
Marcia Woodbury
Woodbury is retiring after nearly 20 years as part of the food service team at Winn Brook. During her career in Belmont, Woodbury helped transition the cafeteria from paper food tickets to an electronic point of sale system, playing a leading role in bringing modern technology to the school system.
Woodbury joined Belmont Public Schools in 2008 and is retiring as a head cashier.
“We are endlessly grateful for your dedicated service, your tireless energy, and the quiet, life-changing impact you have made on the life of our youngest community members,” said committee member Jung Yueh.
Divino Roza
Roza is retiring after 10 years at Burbank, the majority of which he served as the school’s head custodian.
Originally from Brazil, Roza worked to pay for his education starting in fifth grade, later earning a degree in accounting. He and his wife moved to the United States, later starting their own business in the early 1990s.
At Burbank, Roza frequently served as a Portuguese interpreter for families.
“Divino Roza’s years of service exemplified dedication, resilience, kindness, and excellence,” said committee member Matthew Kraft. “His contributions have had a lasting impact on the Mary Lee Burbank School, and his presence will be deeply missed by students, staff, families alike, including my own, who have benefited greatly from Divino’s care and kindness and warm smiles when they attended the Burbank School.”
