DeTommaso played on four U.S. lacrosse teams that won world championships –– in 1986, 1990, 1994 and 1998 –– and was elected to the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 2001.

At Mepham, he served as the head lacrosse coach and was named the Nassau County Coach of the Year in 1992. He later coached the Long Island Lizards to the inaugural Major League Lacrosse Championship in 2001. He was the first-ever Major League Lacrosse Coach of the Year.

At Wednesday’s board meeting, there was high praise for the hiring process that led to DeTommaso’s appointment. In conducting its search, the Board of Education formed focus groups with administrators, teachers, staff members and parents, each of which provided input about what qualities that they would like to see in the new superintendent. The board then used that information to guide its decision-making.

“It was a great, uplifting time,” said Trustee George “Skip” Haile of the hiring process.

Speaking on behalf of Central District administrators, Calhoun High School Principal David Seinfeld told DeTommaso, “We’re here for you tonight, and we’ll be here for you come July 1.”

Mike Dolber, a social-studies teacher at Merrick Avenue Middle School and president of the Bellmore-Merrick United Secondary Teachers who will retire in June, echoed Dolber’s comments.