Board of Ed recognizes one of its own

The East Meadow School District’s Board of Education presented an East Meadowite with a certificate of recognition during its Dec. 15 communications meeting for her efforts in improving children’s education.

Deborah Coates, who serves as a trustee on the board, was honored with the certificate for being named a recipient of the New York State School Boards Association’s Everett R. Dyer Distinguished Service Award. According to its website, NYSSBA presents this award each year to a current or former school board member for their outstanding contributions to public education and children in their own school district.

“In addition to serving as an East Meadow Board trustee and president, as well as an outstanding member of Nassau BOCES’ board, Ms. Coates has always been a valued member of our community and an outstanding PTA leader,” said East Meadow Board President Marcee Rubinstein. “We are so proud of her.”

Coates began her career in the East Meadow School District in 1980 as a member of the Meadowbrook School Parent Teacher Association and served as president from 1995 to 1997, before moving on in 2002. She was also a member of the East Meadow PTA Council from 1987 to 2002 as well as council president from 1999 to 2001.

She is a Nassau BOCES board member and has been an advocate for public education and community service in East Meadow for over 30 years. She has won numerous awards for demonstrating exceptional leadership qualities and work ethic.