Nassau BOCES honors Freeport Board of Ed VP

Nassau BOCES named Vilma Lancaster, the vice president of the Freeport Union Free School District Board of Education, as one of the recipients of their 2020 Education Partner Awards. 

The Education Partner Awards program honors outstanding educational leaders, organizations, school administrators, board members, staff, students, teacher, BOCES employees and other champions of education for their commitment to enabling students of all ages and abilities to achieve their maximum potential. Theresa Schaefer, the assistant programs manager for the Nassau BOCES communications office, said the Education Partner Award is given to individuals who have brought a positive change to their schools.

“We select recipients based on their impact and reach, whether their actions go beyond the scope of their responsibilities and see if they serve as a role model for their community,” she said.

“This recognition is the result of what I do for my community,” Lancaster said. “I do this because I am a strong advocate of public education with my passion to have our students reach their highest and fullest potential.” 

Lancaster, who works as the village assessor for the Village of Freeport, joined the Board of Education in 2011 after her children entered the school district. She said it was important for her to be on the board to help ensure an equitable education for all the students in the district. Lancaster also wanted to make sure that these opportunities also existed for students who were learning English as a second language, as the district boast a large immigrant population.  

After becoming vice president of the Board of Education last year, Lancaster also became the chairperson for community outreach, which has her meet with parents and community members to discuss issues affecting students. Part of these conversations involved enriching the district’s English as a New Language classes. The district’s proposed 2020-21 budget includes the creation of new ENL teaching positions.  

“In Freeport we have a rising number of English Language Learners and immigrant students,” Lancaster said. “These students require significant, intensive supports in order to give them access to an equitable education. I advocate for policies, regulations and funding to support the additional programming necessary for these students as well as our students with disabilities and those living in poverty.  

Lancaster added that a lack of adequate funding from the state was one of the biggest problems facing the district. The district estimates that it is owed more than $300 million in Foundation Aid from the state over the last decade. Lancaster hopes that by continuing to advocate for proper funding, Freeport can get the aid it deserves to improve the district and strengthen both graduation rates and the district’s academic programs. 

“Her involvement and commitment serve as an inspiration to our community,” District Superintendent Kishore Kuncham said. “We greatly appreciate all that she has done and continues to do for the children of Freeport and for our community.”

Lancaster and 14 other education leaders will be honored at an award ceremony on March 31, at the Crest Hollow Country Club, in Woodbury.