Obituaries

FLORA

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cording to Blood. Board members initially did a “paper screening” of the candidates, then interviewed multiple applicants over several dates before narrowing the field to two finalists, Blood said.

If all goes as expected, the board would likely complete the formal installation process at its next meeting on June 13 and Encarnacao would assume the position July 1, Blood said.

“I think the board has made an excellent choice,” Blood said of her successor. “Flora has been thoroughly involved in moving the district forward during my tenure as superintendent and I am certain she will continue to lead the district forward in future years.”

Samantha Paris, president of the Kearny Board of Education, said: “Over the last 10 years, Flora and Patty (Blood) have worked side by side to bring this district to where we are today, making significant improvements, and I know Flora will continue the momentum the two of them have built.”

Paris said Encarnacao has been instrumental in “changing the curriculum to fit better with our students,” which has helped the district “make great strides with bring up our testing scores in English Language Arts.”

She also credited the new chief administrator with leading the way to an “expansion of our pre-K program with the grant monies we have received, affording the children an opportunity they didn’t have before.”

Encarnacao joined the district in 2001 as a bilingual/ English as a Second Language instructor in grades K to 5, then was assigned to first grade. She was named instructional coach in 2009 and in 2011 became director of elementary curriculum and instruction and testing. In 2014, she was appointed director of elementary/ secondary instruction and in late 2021 she was elevated to assistant superintendent.

“These are certainly challenging times and it is an exciting time for education as we have learned to deal with a pandemic,” Encarnacao said Tuesday. “But these are moments where we can change the narrative.”

As she settles into her new duties, Encarnacao said she plans to “establish her core team and meet with all of our stakeholders and build on those relationships in new ways.”

She pledged to “continue to strengthen the district’s relationship with our parents and all those who contribute to the education of our students.”

From a labor standpoint, the new superintendent will be the beneficiary of standing agreements with unions and associations representing district employees before having to begin a new round of negotiations with teachers and office professionals whose contracts are scheduled to be renewed in the 2023-2024 school year.

Kearny Eats! returns June 3 to 19 to many town food spots

By Kevin A. Canessa Jr.

kc@theobserver.com

Kearny Eats! returns June 3-19 at many local eateries.

It’s all an effort to support Kearny’s restaurant and food businesses, sponsored by the Kearny Urban Enterprise Zone. It will spotlight food and beverage deals and special menu items from dozens of participating Kearny food businesses — from restaurants to bakeries, cafes, bars and more.

Offers will include both dine-in and takeout options.

“We’re encouraging residents and visitors to once again come out and support our restaurant and food establishments — whether it’s trying something new or returning to an old favorite,” KUEZ Coordinator John Peneda said. “Eat in, get takeout or delivery, call in that order — make a difference and help our local businesses.”

Kearny Eats participants represent a range of culinary choices, including Arcos Pastry, Anthony’s Supermarket, Brasas Grill Bar & Restaurant, Brazilian Spices Restaurant & Steakhouse, Café Chila, Cumbia Café, Curiosity by Intrinsic, Euro Pub, Fresh Ice Cream, Hook & Reel Cajun Seafood & Bar, Jimmy’s Restaurant and Lounge, Kearny Café, Leo’s Italian Ice & Ice Cream, Mina’s Café, O’Imperial Bar & Restaurant, Oh! Calamares, Peter’s Pizzeria, Q’tal Bar & Grill, Reilly’s Bar & Grill, Tres Leches Bakery & Café, Ulta Nutrition, Urban Bricks Pizza and Yoli’s Restaurant.

The KUEZ is working with Erin Martins, @ TheKearnyInsider, to help spread the news about the program.

“Our local identity includes our local restaurants — they are where favorite foods are enjoyed, important life moments are celebrated, and memories are made,” she said. “Kearny Eats is a great way to support your favorite places or find new favorite spots to visit. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

Visit www.kearnyeats. com for a complete list of participants and specials, and keep checking back as details continue to be added.

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