Bouquets, both of flowers and words, were handed out at the Lawrence Board of Education organizational meeting in the middle school cafeteria on July 10.
The trustees in attendance re-elected Murray Forman president and Dr. Asher Mansdorf vice president of the board, respectively. Dr. Ann Pedersen presided over her first BOE meeting as superintendent and four teachers were granted tenure.
“I truly believe this district has transformed from a place that was challenging to a place that is exhilarating,” Mansdorf said. “We are prepared to move into a new era that is student-centric. It is where we need to go and we have the person to lead us there.”
Pedersen has worked in Lawrence for 25 years. She succeeded Gary Schall who retired on June 30. She has served as a kindergarten teacher, principal of the Number Four School and deputy superintendent with responsibility of overseeing the district’s curriculum and instruction. In explaining what motivates her, Pedersen said: “It comes from a passion to teach.”
Matathias said he would like to restore giving a graduating Lawrence High School senior scholarship money from the Five Towns chapter of the B’nai B’rith. Students from Hewlett High and the Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway are recipients. He also asked the district if they would reconsider assigning him teaching assignments again. Previously on the substitute list, Matathias has not been called for a few years.
“We welcome and appreciate all support for our students and are delighted about the scholarship,” Pedersen said, who confirmed she met with Matathias. “Obviously it must be with no contingency, such as his return as a substitute teacher.”