By:Hector Flores
The announcement came during last Thursday's board meeting at the Martin Avenue School. Perrone was sworn in by the district's business official, Tony Cincotta, and the ceremony was witnessed by members of the district's PTA, the teacher and principal associations, community advocates and residents.
Perrone takes the seat left vacant when Charles Reinhardt resigned from the North Bellmore and Central District boards of education in August, after it was revealed that he spent nearly $7,000 of the Central District's money but failed to turn in receipts to justify his expenses. After the discovery, Reinhardt paid the district back, but decided to resign.
The North Bellmore board immediately began soliciting letters from people interested in taking Reinhardt's place. According to state law, the board is required to find a replacement by holding a special election or appointing a new trustee. The board thought an election would be expensive, and so it appointed a new board member.
Perrone, a regional sales manager for FedEx who ran unsuccessfully for school board last spring, was one of many candidates who sought the position. Board President Nina Lanci said, "We had asked all candidates to give their backgrounds, work experience, a description of their commitment and an explanation of why they wanted to be a board member. Of all the candidates we reviewed, Joseph was the best qualified."
Perrone served on the Jacob Gunther Site-Based Team for six years. In that capacity, he helped start a number of programs, including a Career Day, a district-wide Drug Free School Zone and full-day kindergarten. And he played a role in reopening the Martin Avenue School. In addition, he served in various PTAs and on district committees, and was awarded the PTA Honorary Life Membership for his service at Gunther.
Perrone also helped create the North Bellmore Education Foundation, which provides financial support for children in the North Bellmore School District.
Perrone said he was pleased with the board's decision to appoint him as a trustee. "I'm very honored to have been selected," he said. "I have been involved in the district since my kids were in kindergarten. I ran in two elections, 2002 and 2004, and went through another appointment process when [former trustee] Jim Rooney passed away in 2003. I really believe in the cause, and I believe that I can make a difference."
Perrone added that the most important issue facing the district is fostering trust in the board and the schools. "I want the community to know that this is a new board, where education and safety is the most paramount," he said. "We want North Bellmore to be the envy of all the school districts. Now, with a new superintendent and board, I believe that we can make this happen."
Perrone will hold Reinhardt's seat until the term expires on May 17, 2005. If Perrone wants to remain on the board after that, he must run for re-election.
