District 24 bids farewell to valued administrator

District 24 gave a heartfelt sendoff to a longtime employee on June 17, where faculty, students and their families packed the gymnasium at the William L. Buck School for the Board of Education’s last meeting of the school year.

Superintendent Edward Fale spoke highly of Daniel Onorato, the district’s assistant superintendent. “This is a very special individual,” he said. “It’s rare when you go through a very long career and no one has anything bad to say about you.”

Onorato started as a teacher in the district in 1973. He became chair of the Committee on Special Education before he was selected to serve as principal of the Robert W. Carbonaro School. He was then appointed as assistant superintendent more than a decade ago.

Fale noted that the district never had a budget fail to pass while Onorato oversaw the process. He praised him for putting children first and maintaining a sense of humor, performing his duties with an upbeat attitude and a smile, and never complaining.

Board of Education President Donna LaRocco also praised Onorato’s work on behalf of students. She wished him and his family well as he enters retirement.

Onorato’s 42 years with the district make him the longest-serving staff member in its history.

“Thank you for 42 great years,” he said. “Hopefully, my next 42 will be just as great.”