Burgettstown dedicates Esno Library

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BURGETTSTOWN, Pa. - Phil Esno, former Burgettstown Area School District teacher and administrator, said he was "honored beyond belief," during the dedication of the Phillip S. Esno Library at the Burgettstown Area Middle/High School, but added he was only doing his job as an educator and praised the efforts of the district's teachers, administrators and support staff.

"None of them ever said, 'that's not my job,'" he said. "And I asked for a lot."

Esno spent more than 30 years as an English teacher and a grant writer for the district before retiring in 2007.

"If money means success," said Board President Tom Repole, "Phil has brought a lot of success to this district."

Esno oversaw professional and technology development for the district and wrote grants to fund several related programs, among other grants.

The school board voted unanimously to name the library in honor of Esno. The new library is part of the district's renovations to the middle/high school, which include a new library and gymnasium and expanded and improved musical and theater spaces.

"I am proud beyond words - and for a wordsmith, that is something," he said.

During his remarks, Esno joked that a recent earthquake near his home was actually the Burgettstown teachers of his own school days rolling over in their graves, implying he wasn't a serious student. He also related how he was punished by former high school librarian Liz Scott because "it looked like I might start talking to the person next to me. I think that was the first preemptive strike," he added.

"Well, Liz, I'm here in my library - and I'm talking," he said to laughter and applause from an audience of nearly 50 educators and family members.

Esno spent the greater part of his remarks praising and thanking the district staff and school board.

"It's easy to write the grant," he said. "What's hard is implementing the program."

Esno added the programs wouldn't have been as successful if he had not had the support of the school board and administration, noting that other districts are crippled by what he called indecisive boards and inept administrators.

Esno said the programs would have never been as successful as they have been without the support of the teaching staff and their willingness to step outside of their comfort zones. He added he appreciated the confidence the teachers had in him.

He also spoke of his great pride in the district and how its programs were comparable to larger districts with more funding.

"The system doesn't need me to defend it - it can and does speak for itself," he said.

Also speaking during the ceremony were Esno's daughter, Jennifer Esno; Susan Pusateri, former student and current language arts chair; Superintendent Deborah Jackson; and Repole.

High School Principal Chris Wolfson gave the welcome address and introduced the speakers, while librarian Karen Miller led the Pledge of Allegiance.

(Wallace-Minger can be contacted at swallace@pafocus.com)