Melucci thanked the parents and community members who have supported the schools and public education, but directed her final comments to the students. “My best days were spent in the classrooms or on the fields or in the auditorium, watching you learn and grow into remarkable young men and women,” she said. “I am proud of what we have been able to accomplish, and know that the East Rockaway Schools will continue to grow and advance to meet the many challenges that face our children and our communities each and every day.”

She said that she is not sure what lies ahead. “I don’t know what’s in store for me,” she said. “For now, I just want to get the seventh- and eighth-graders back into the high school, get through another budget season … then I’ll think about it.”

The Board of Education met on Tuesday to discuss its course of action in the search for a new superintendent.