By Nick Buglione
In a year that saw several board and district hearings marred with contention and hostility -- primarily over the 2002-2003 budget -- this one brought a far more amiable tone.
The jeers and shouts that permeated the April meeting and subsequent budget presentations gave way to cheers and warm applause, as those inside East Meadow High Schools auditorium acknowledged the efforts of the two outgoing trustees.
"There are a lot of things about it that I'm going to miss," said 15-year member Gail Jensen, who along with board President Grieco chose not to run for re-election on May 21. "You get go to the schools and see the kids and all the wonderful things they're involved with."
Overhearing Jensen's remark, Grieco, who has served on the board for 18 years, offered a joking response. "I'm not going to miss it as much as Gail will," he said.
Slowly and surely the two waded through the evening's agenda, as they have so many times over the past decade and a half -- from the opening pledge of allegiance, through the approval of minutes and committee reports, drawing ever closer to their final adjournment.
Toward the meeting's end, both outgoing members extended thanks to the rest of the board and administration, as well as the students and parents.
"It has been a pleasure to serve with you," Grieco said. "I would like to thank the community for giving me the privilege of serving on this board for 18 years."
The five other board members returned their kind words. "Thank you for your time and efforts in making East Meadow the fine neighborhood that it is," said David Kaplan, a trustee since 2001.
Maureen Warrington, who has served as district clerk since 1990, said Grieco and Jensen will be missed. "I will miss them very much; they're both very good board members," she said.
Elected in 1984, Grieco served six terms on the board, including as vice president and president on several non-consecutive occasions.
Meanwhile, Jensen, who was first elected in 1987 and served five terms, also enjoyed stints as vice president and president. Incidentally, Jensen's husband Chris was once on the board, though the two were not on together.
"These two individuals have devoted a lot of their own personal energy to the district, and board members are not compensated in any way," said Leon Campo, district assistant superintendent for finance and administration. "They have been outstanding contributors as trustees."
During their tenures, both made substantial contributions to different areas of East Meadow's schools. Jensen focused primarily on instructional issues, while Grieco's strong suit was in construction and facilities, Campo said.
"He brought a lot of insight that's translated into cost savings for the taxpayers," Campo said, citing that multiple bond issues have been passed during his terms.
Incoming board members Roseann Nolan and Deborah Coates will succeed Grieco and Jensen. Both will assume office when the board holds its reorganization meeting on Tuesday, July 2 at East Meadow High School.
Nolan previously served a three-year term on the East Meadow School District Board of Education in 1998, but was defeated in her bid for re-election last year.
According to Warrington, during the reorganization, committee chairpeople and members will be selected. More important the board will pick a new president and vice president. Despite prodding, trustees declined to comment on who is likely to take the positions.
