New head of business in District 13

The District 13 Board of Education hired Gerard Antoine as the new assistant superintendent for business and human resources on Dec. 15. Antoine was introduced to parents and faculty members at the district’s board meeting on Dec. 22.

“I would just like to thank the Board of Education and the superintendent for their confidence in me,” Antoine said. “I look forward to coming here. I’ve heard nothing but wonderful things.”

Antoine will replace Alan Groveman, who came out of retirement to temporarily perform the position’s duties during Meredith Brosnan’s leave of absence. She announced her resignation in September. Antoine will succeed Groveman on Jan. 19.

Antoine arrives on the heels of the district’s passage of a $32 million bond for extensive building renovations and upgrades, which he will oversee. “I have no doubt that he can do it,” Pomerantz said.

“We are very pleased that we’ve been able to employ somebody with over six years of experience in the business office operations,” Groveman said. “He has past experience with capital projects as well as general business operations.” He also said that the board asked him to continue temporarily as a part-time consultant to assist with capital projects.

Antoine’s annual salary was set at $180,000, a slight decrease from his predecessor’s $185,600 salary. The new salary balanced his experience and the added responsibilities of the amended title. The change consolidated minor responsibilities that had been dispersed throughout the district, Pomerantz said. The position has a probationary period of up to four years at the board’s discretion.

Antoine became Hempstead School District’s assistant superintendent for business in 2012 but has worked in that district since 2006, when he was initially hired as an assistant business manager. He holds a professional diploma in school business administration from Long Island University at C.W. Post.

Pomerantz said Antoine’s credentials impressed her, saying she expected him to be a “wonderful addition to the district.”