In celebration of School Board Recognition Week, the East Meadow School District paid tribute to its board of education members, thanking them for the work that they do year round to benefit students.
This year, the New York State School Boards Association set aside Oct. 14 to 18 to honor trustees for their commitment to public school students, and during the East Meadow board’s Oct. 9 meeting, superintendent Kenneth Rosner said he has “a deep appreciation” for the work they accomplish on a daily basis.
The board this school year includes two new trustees, Nikole De Luca and Maria Talluto.
“We are forging a wonderful relationship together that is based on doing things that are best for the children, and best for our community,” Rosner said. “And although we’re not all supposed to agree — that’s not what this is about — it’s always about placing the kids first. I truly appreciate the work that everyone is doing.”
At the meeting, students in W.T. Clarke High School’s Select Chorale, under the direction of Kaitlin Melker, sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” as part of the district’s board recognition celebration.
Rosner also welcomed Kelly Nixon, the district’s director of music and art, who thanked the board and presented each member with gifts.
“This evening, we celebrate and thank our members of the board of education for their time, effort and dedication to the students and community of East Meadow,” Nixon said. “We thank you for your commitment to championing all programs here in our district, especially the arts.”
Nixon said art programs “play an essential role in shaping well-rounded individuals” and prepare them “for a diverse and dynamic world.”
“Your advocacy ensures our students have access to the resources and opportunities they need to explore their artistic talents and express themselves,” Nixon told the board. “Thank you for your dedication and vision in promoting the arts. Together, we are nurturing the next generation of creators and innovators.”
Students in East Meadow High School’s creative crafts art class, taught by Cecilia Fisher, made desk ornaments or paperweights, using a technique called repoussé, an ancient form of metalworking in which malleable metal is shaped from the reverse side to create a design on the top of the ornament.
“I would like to thank all the students who participated for sharing their work and incredible talents with us,” Nixon said. “Please accept this token of our gratitude for your unwavering support and dedication to the students and community of East Meadow. Your commitment to enhancing our programs inspires us all and helps us foster a vibrant learning environment. Thank you for making a lasting impact.”
Trustees De Luca and Talluto were also presented with their official portraits, which will hang in the halls of the Salisbury Center, where board meetings are held. East Meadow High School senior Antonia Pribanic created De Luca’s portrait and W.T. Clarke High School junior Neliah Cherisme created Talluto’s.
Nixon thanked art teachers Brian O’Neill and Ingo Prangenberg for guiding the students in their advanced placement art classes as they created the portraits.
Also at the meeting, Rosner congratulated both of the district’s high schools for raising more than $2,000 for childhood cancer research at their Friday Night Lights football games, and recognized that Clarke High School earned a place on the Advanced Placement School Honor Roll for the 2023-24 school year.
Rosner reminded those who attended the meeting that he’s always accessible — and through the district’s website, community members can send feedback straight to his office.
“If there’s something important to the community, or something important even to a student, please make sure that you’re communicating with us whenever you need to,” he said. “Again — thank you so much for the board, and all that you do. I am the luckiest guy in the room, the superintendent of the best district.”