Thursday, October 15, 2026
The East Meadow School District continued its longstanding tradition of honoring its board of education members, who are credited with helping to keep the district moving in a positive direction.
This year, School Board Recognition Week in New York state is celebrated from Oct. 12-16, and East Meadow’s board members were honored at the Oct. 7 meeting, held at the Salisbury School in Westbury.
The New York State School Boards Association annually sponsors the weeklong tribute, honoring the trustees for their service, leadership and volunteer efforts in guiding public education and supporting student achievement.
In East Meadow, the annual celebration typically involves the district's art students creating gifts and presenting them to board members. When new board members are sworn in, they are also gifted a portrait created by an Advanced Placement art student in one of the district’s high schools.
During the board meeting, Kelly Nixon, the district’s director of music and art, and Heather Anastasio, the art department’s chairperson, presented the trustees with this year’s creation — one-of-a-kind-doughnuts created by Bowling Green Elementary School students, under the guidance of art teacher Danielle Minuto. Each doughnut was created using a combination of mixed media elements, including airdried clay, acrylic paint and faux sprinkles.
“They look so real, you may be tempted to eat them,” Nixon joked, “but please don’t.”
The artwork, Nixon said, is thoughtfully presented as a heartfelt tribute to this year’s board of education members, “symbolizing the connection between the arts, education, and our East Meadow community.”
Nixon thanked the school board members for their commitment to “championing and celebrating the programs here in East Meadow, especially the arts.”
“These programs,” she said, “play an essential role in shaping well-rounded students and preparing them for a diverse and dynamic world ahead. Thank you for your dedication and vision to promoting the arts — together, we are nurturing the next generation of creators and innovators.
“The Bowling Green Art Department is proud to share these exceptional works as a reflection of the students’ dedication, artistic growth and gratitude for the board’s continue support of education and the arts,” Nixon added.
Jessica Ricco-Simeone, board of education president, remarked that she’d received several items since being elected a trustee. Simeone was elected to the board in 2023.
“This is my fourth gift, and I know where all of them are — all the ones I’ve gotten,” she shared at the meeting. “All of your work is appreciated, and it is in my home.”
Ricco-Simeone received a “doughnut” alongside returning trustees, Maria Talluto, David Carl, Nikole De Luca, Dana Fernandez, Siobhan Licastro and Nancy Widman.
Ken Rosner, superintendent of East Meadow schools, added to the celebratory remarks.
“Congratulations to the board of education members on this much-deserved recognition,” he said. “Thank you for all that you do.”
Along with celebrating the board, Rosner mentioned that October is recognized as National Principals Month. A message was shared on Parent Square — the district’s new mass notification service, which was rolled out on Oct. 1.
“Thank you to our building principals for the work that they do and the dedication that they show to the children each and every day,” he shared.
Rosner also reminded meeting attendees that during last month’s board meeting, district officials announced they are seeking volunteers to join a Bond Oversight Advisory Committee. Taxpayers in the district passed a $71.5 million bond in March to fund extensive capital improvement projects in each of the district’s nine school buildings.
The district is seeking at least one representative from each school to sit on the committee.
“It’s a very simple form to fill out,” Rosner said. “We’re looking for people to come and volunteer. We’re meeting four times a year, so it’s a minimal commitment, but important.”
Volunteers may apply by visiting the district’s website, EMUSFD.us, and hitting the tab “Reimagine Bond — 2026.” There, district residents can view the application and all relevant information regarding the bond’s passing and upcoming projects.
