Karen Pagano, Director of Food Services for Beacon City Schools, has retired, as announced by Superintendent Landahl in his weekly Update email to district families. He wrote: “I want to thank Karen for her dedication to the Beacon City School District over the past 12 years. She has brought innovative ideas and healthy meals to our community. Everyone will remember how Karen and her team fed us during the COVID shutdown. Thank you, Karen for all that you have done for us!”

During the COVID shutdown, Karen was determined to reach families with food and figuring out how to organize food helpers to pack the boxed breakfasts and lunches, as well as getting them delivered.

Related Link: “Beacon City Schools Coordinate Bus Delivery For Free Lunch Meals For Remote Learners - Sign Up Required”

In 2023, she also worked to coordinate and secure free lunches for 3 years for Beacon City School kids after COVID relief ended regardless of income.

Related Link: “Free Meals Now Available To All Beacon City School District Students For 3 Years”

According to his update, Karen stayed while the district found her replacement. A new Director of Food Services has been hired: Anthony Rollins, who will begin on February 3. “Anthony is currently the School Lunch Manager at both Liberty and Fallsburg School District. We hired Anthony through an agreement with the Capital Region BOCES. The BOCES will also help us with food ordering, menu planning, and reporting,” Dr. Landahl said.

Karen was a friend of ALBB, always keeping us informed when she needed to get the word out about a new program or if the department was looking for full or part time help. To listen to Karen, check out the episode featuring her on Beaconites!.