It is with great, great sadness that I report the passing this week of two long-time members of the Maine DOE family – Deb Hannigan, who served as the director of Child Development Services, and Buzz Kastuck, who managed the school approval process, superintendent agreements and home schooling. Both were enthusiastic and competent, ready to do whatever was necessary to get the job done. Both had a laser-like focus on the best interests of the kids who would be affected by their work. Over the combined 33 years the two of them were at the Department, they each made tremendous contributions that we and Maine’s schools and school children continue to benefit from.
On a personal level, we couldn’t ask for better people to work with. Either one would drop anything to help out a colleague. Both were friendly and good-humored. We in the Department will miss both of them terribly, as I know many of you in the field will, as well.
You can view Deb’s obituary here. If you’d like to be made aware of the arrangements for Buzz when they become available, please contact Georgette Valliere.
Both Buzz and Deb were upbeat, positive people. When I first stepped out of the District level and started working at the Department each made it a point to be friendly and helpful. Each of them proved they were devoted to making a difference in the lives of students and teachers by looking for connections between thier work and the work of others. Their professionality, leadership, and humor will certainly be missed in the halls of the Burton Cross State Office Building for many years to come.