Ferrara challenges Lanci for N. Bellmore Board of Education

One Board of Education seat is up for election in the North Bellmore School District this year, and incumbent Nina Lanci is being challenged by newcomer John Ferrara.

Ferrara, 43, and his wife, Basi, have lived in North Bellmore for 12 years. They have three children, ages 9, 10, and 14, who attend Saw Mill Elementary School and Grand Avenue Middle School. This is Ferrara’s first time running for school board and said he is doing so because he is hoping “to make a difference in the community in the best interest of our children.”

Though this is his first time appearing on the ballot, Ferrara, an electrician by trade, has been an active member of the North Bellmore community. Ferrara has been a coach with the North Bellmore-North Merrick Little League, the Bellmore Braves Football Organization, as well as the East Meadow Soccer Club. Ferrara also noted he was the athletic director of the Braves for four years as well as a board member with the Bellmore-Merrick Youth Association for six years.

Ferrara has been active with the Saw Mill PTA, and said he and his wife are grateful for and impressed by the education that their children have received.

Incumbent Nina Lanci was first appointed to the board in March of 2003 to fill a vacancy; she then ran in 2005 and 2008 unopposed. In that time, Lanci has served as the president of the North Bellmore Board and is the current president of the Central High School District Board of Education.

Lanci and her husband, Richard, have long been active in North Bellmore. Their daughter, Gabriella, 18, attended Martin Avenue and is currently a senior at Mepham. Lanci served as the first PTA president when Martin Avenue reopened its doors in 2001. Aside from her involvement in the North Bellmore schools, Lanci works as the director of administrative services at the General Building Laborers of Local Union No. 66. She is also the current president of the Bellmore Lions Club as well as the Community Parent Center.

Lanci said she is aware that current economic conditions will continue to play a factor in the coming school year. “I think one of the most important issues facing the board will be finding an adequate balance of doing more with less,” she said. “With declining state aid and the increase of unfunded state mandates, we are still determined to achieve the best education possible to reach all learners.” Despite decreased state funding, Lanci said she is pleased with North Bellmore’s ability to maintain high standards while keeping costs low.

The public vote will take place on Tuesday, May 17, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Newbridge Elementary School on Newbridge Avenue. To be eligible to vote, one must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen and a district resident for at least 30 days prior to the vote.

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