School Board President Remembers Longtime Fort Lee Educator, Teachers Union Head

Maria Pulice, a longtime educator and former head of the teachers union, has passed away. Maria touched so many children's lives when she worked at School 1 for over 40 years. Beyond her teaching duties, Maria served as head of The Fort Lee Teachers Union (FLEA). Negotiating with Maria was a unique experience, fighting hard for her fellow teachers she could be at times described as cantankerous. It was never personal, as a day or so after our negotiation sessions, I would chat with her and gain some insight into someone who was a generous and caring human being.

The thing about her was somehow despite trying she could not conceal the warmth and human kindness within her. Maria genuinely cared about people. One of the best programs we have in place for our employees was solely due to Maria's concern for other people. As a result of her efforts, we have a program where employees can voluntarily donate vacation time into a bank. This vacation time can then be used by employees who have critical medical issues and have run out of sick time so they can still get paid.  This program has been a Godsend for a number of our employees. Each time we approve an employee to receive these benefits, I would think of her.

Ever since Maria retired, I wanted  to set up a lunch with her so we could just sit back and talk with her. No bargaining table between us, just a simple lunch where we could trade stories and laugh. I regret that I never did have that lunch. We all get caught up in our own lives, weighed down with our schedules and problems. It is yet another reminder how frail life is, how quickly friends and loved ones leave us. If you have a friend or a loved one who you have been meaning to see, do it. Never feel the sense of regret of not taking the time. Rest in Peace, my friend.

Arthur Levine