Reid takes helm as BOE president

Seven weeks after winning a seat on the Baldwin Board of Education, Karyn Reid was sworn in as its president.

Reid’s quick accession came at the July 9 meeting after longtime board member Mary Jo O’Hagan declined a nomination to accept the role, citing a busy schedule. O’Hagan is currently president of the Nassau-Suffolk School Boards Association. Reid was approved after she, O’Hagan and Trustee Joel Press voted in favor of the motion. Trustees Eric Harrison and Deborah Rebore abstained from the vote.

The election of a new board president took place before Dr. Shari Camhi was approved as the next superintendent, effective Sept. 11. Rebore, who first nominated O’Hagan for president, said she wanted someone with more experience to hold the position, especially in a year where a new superintendent, who isn’t familiar with the district, is starting. Harrison seconded those sentiments.

While Reid said the most ideal situation would be to have the board’s most experienced member take the position, she accepted the nomination. Reid said that she was surprised when O’Hagan brought the idea up to her, but thought it would be good to give the board a fresh start. “It’s a tricky position to be put in,” Reid said, “but I accept.”

Press was also asked if he was interested in serving as president, but declined and backed Reid. “I think Karyn will do a great job and I think she’s got the energy and the drive to do it and to do it well,” he said.

When it came time to nominate a vice president, Reid suggested Rebore, but she declined, also citing a busy schedule. Press then nominated O’Hagan, who ultimately accepted the nomination. Reid, O’Hagan and Press again voted in favor of the motion, while Harrison voted “no” and Rebore abstained.