SCHOOLS

Superintendent is Woman of Distinction

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The crowd stood and cheered for one woman during the May 7, 2013 North Bellmore Board of Education meeting — Marie Testa, who had just been named the district’s superintendent.

Randee Colter, the North Bellmore Teachers Association president, explained that there was a reason why she received such an ovation. She said that Testa, who has worked in North Bellmore since 1994, shows compassion for all around her and a passion for education.

“She was a teacher, she was a principal, she was in business, she was active in the union, she’s a parent,” Colter said. “She’s built on past experience and doesn’t forget where she was and where she’s going. She deserves accolades for everything she’s done and everything she will do.”

Those qualities recently led State Sen. Michael Venditto, who represents the 8th Senatorial District, to name Testa a Woman of Distinction. Parents and educators throughout North Bellmore applauded the senator’s choice, saying that Testa has had an immensely positive influence on the schools.

Venditto presented her with the award at a ceremony in Albany on May 5. He said he chose Testa because, in the early years of her tenure as North Bellmore’s superintendent, she has been an inspirational leader who is committed to her community and school district, which offers a challenging curriculum.

“Superintendent Testa is a community member whose influence extends far beyond the boundaries of North Bellmore,” Venditto said. “I applaud her leadership and her accomplishments in education and commend her for her contributions to create the best opportunities for the next generation of Long Islanders. I am both humbled and honored to recognize her with this distinguished award.”

Testa began her career in the district as a phys. ed. teacher at Saw Mill Road Elementary School. In 2001 she joined faculty members from across the district at the then newly reopened Martin Avenue School, where she taught for four years.

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