By JEFF LIPTON
She will leave her post as president of the Oceanside Federation of Teachers for the past 17 years and as a 6th-grade teacher in the district for 36 years.
"I have very mixed emotions," said Krasnoff, who recently turned 60. "I'm excited and a little sad leaving something I have loved doing my whole life."
Besides leading the 700-member teachers union, she has taught at the Sixth Grade Center at Merle Avenue for 12 years and at School 8 for the remainder of her educational career, teaching subjects such as social studies, science and language arts while leaving lasting impressions on the legions of students she has instructed.
"I truly believe my work with the union made me a better teacher," said Krasnoff, an Oceanside resident for more than 32 years. "I learned from my colleagues across the state and the country. I learned from their experiences. I truly believe this made me a better teacher and a better person."
She has derived the most pleasure out of getting the teachers involved in community activities, helping to launch the Oceanside Toy Party, collecting new toys from students, teachers and staff and donating them to hospitals, homeless shelters, battered-women's shelters and other needy groups.
Known as a tough but fair negotiator for teachers, Krasnoff has been involved in six contract talks and has drawn the admiration of school administrators and parents. About 10 years ago, she negotiated a contract that was fair to both sides and was approved by the school board with no confrontations for the first time in a long time, said school board President Allenby Lyson.
"She's a good teacher and an absolutely phenomenal union leader," said Lyson. "She's going to be a big loss for us."
"She's a terrific lady and a class act," said school board member Bob Transom. "She's a professional, very upfront and a tough negotiator, but just a wonderful person and very community-minded."
Oceanside teachers have come under scrutiny by some in the community who argue that they make a top salary, even though they are perceived as working fewer hours than residents in other professions. In response to the critics, Krasnoff said, "They should try to walk a mile in my shoes. All day long we try to be personable and energetic while being interesting. Often, I don't finish my work until 10 p.m. I never only work an 8 a.m.-to-3 p.m.-day, and neither do any of my colleagues. It never happens. We're either grading papers or making up tests."
Ellen Hisiger, past president of School 8 PTA, said Krasnoff will be greatly missed. "My 6th-grade daughter has her now and she loves her," said Hisiger. "She's an asset to the staff, students and parents in the building. She's a lot of fun. She also fought for teachers when their contract was in dispute."
"She's going to be missed as a wonderful spokesperson for the children of Oceanside," said Brigitte Misitano, president of the Oceanside Council of PTAs. "She has made a very good impression on a lot of children's lives."
More than 200 teachers and district and union officials attended a retirement party for Krasnoff at Sands of Lido Beach on May 17.
"She operated as a true professional throughout in every position she held," said Ronald Schoen, School 8 principal. "I've been very lucky to have her here. This is going to be a real loss for us."
Superintendent Dr. Herb Brown said Krasnoff is "really a wonderful person to work with and has represented the teachers in a professional way."
Riche Rochelle, a teacher at Oceanside High School, will replace Krasnoff as union leader. "I'm leaving the union in very good hands," Krasnoff said.
"We're looking forward to a wonderful working relationship with Mr. Rochelle," said Misitano.
As for Krasnoff, she said she will miss "the camaraderie and the challenge" of being an educator, but plans to make good use of her free time in retirement. She plans to read for enjoyment and find a place in Florida to play golf and learn to play tennis.
Comments about this story? Jlipton@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 210.
