Husband: Stephen
Children: Rona and Jocelyn, graduates of Park Avenue and Calhoun High
School.
Board Position: North Bellmore Board of Education trustee
Years on board: 21
Background: Master's degree in education; permanently certified in New York state as a teacher of elementary and early-childhood education. Wilk teaches
fourth grade at Solomon Schechter School in Queens.
Other experience: Past president of the Park Avenue School PTA, past president of the North Bellmore Coordinating Council of PTA, awarded Honorary Lifetime PTA membership.
Board philosophy: Ask first, "Is it good for the children?"
Respected trustee to retire in June
By Jennifer La Lima
The North Bellmore Board of Education will miss the sweet, assured voice
of Trustee Irma Wilk, who recently announced her June retirement. After 21 years serving on the North Bellmore board, Wilk has earned the respect and touched the lives of so many in the community.
She is referred to as a voice of reason, someone who stands by her convictions. The current board President, Mary Oporto, said Wilk is a person to be emulated not only as a board member, but also as a human being. Oporto said,
"She has always been able to step back from a situation and analyze. We value her experience to no end. She's just a wonderful person."
First elected in 1985, Wilk spent four terms as board president and has chaired the board's Curriculum, Special Education, Legislation, Community Relations and Budget committees. A mother of two, Rona, 36 and Jocelyn, 33, Wilk was also an active PTA member. Her children attended Park Avenue School, where Wilk served as PTA president. Her daughters graduated from Calhoun High School.
She is proud of both of them. Rona is currently the rehearsal administrator at the Metropolitan Opera, and Jocelyn is the assistant archive director at
Columbia University.
Wilk, of North Merrick, is permanently certified in New York state as a
teacher of elementary and early-childhood education, and currently teaches fourth grade in Queens. She and her husband, Stephen, have lived in the district
since 1968.
Wilk said that she remained devoted to the board throughout the years owing to the district's commitment to initiatives that benefit children. They
include full-day kindergarten, an enriched kindergarten curriculum, expanded arts programs, and enhanced math and English Language Arts programs. Wilk was also instrumental in the reopening of the Martin Avenue School.
"I have always believed that we owe our children an enriched education,"
Wilk said. "Every child should be able to find their special niche during the elementary school years. I remain committed to introducing foreign-language study for our students at the elementary level, when they are able to learn it
most readily."
Wilk firmly believes that the children are the future of the community, and that quality education is an investment in this future. Wilk has worked hard over the years to ensure that all students receive the support services that they need to meet raised educational requirements.
Wilk said, "We graduate well-educated, well-rounded, compassionate and
accomplished youngsters from our six schools, because we maintain a commitment
to the programs that support and create such students. We have a reason to be
proud."
Park Avenue Principal Michael Wolk addressed Wilk before the board after
she announced her retirement. Wolk said, "Her mind is one of reason and good will, always focused on the children."
Board members joke that her husband, Stephen, will be happy to have his
wife at home more once she retires from the board. As for her future, Wilk is
excited to continue on her path as an elementary-school teacher, and will offer
her knowledge and experience to her school's PTA as a faculty representative.
Wilk considers it a privilege to have been mentored by her board colleague and friend, Irma Kass, who reminded Wilk endlessly of how important it is to be involved in the education community.
Perhaps the secret to the board's success, Wilk points out, is a shared
philosophy among trustees. Before any decision is made, the question of what is
best for the children must be asked.
Wilk looks forward to making the most of her time after her June
retirement. "I'd like to volunteer to record Books on Tape for the blind," Wilk said, "and I am going to read, read, read! It really has been 21 wonderful years. I've worked with dynamic individuals, and they have truly been kindred
souls."
Comments about this story? JLaLima@liherald.com, or (516) 569-4000 ext. 234.
