East Rockaway Board of Education elects new president, reorganizes

Keith Gamache was elected to serve as the East Rockaway Board of Education president for the 2018-19 school year at its reorganizational meeting last month.

Superintendent Lisa Ruiz said that Gamache, who has served on the board for the past four years, is committed to the students and is “invested in the future of our district.”

“I look forward to working with Mr. Gamache in his new role as president, as well as our other trustees, as we continue to create engaging and thought-provoking educational opportunities for our students,” Ruiz said in a statement.

Gamache, who previously served as vice president, will take over as president for Patricia Nicoletti, who will now serve as a trustee. Kristin Ochtera will take over the role of vice president, while Neil Schloth and Dom Vulpis, who was elected to the board in May, round out the trustees.

As president, Gamache said he hopes to implement a self-evaluation system to give board members “the opportunity to reflect upon our practices.”

“Engaging in this practice should not only help us as individuals in the short-term, but also strengthen the board as an institution in future years,” he said.

Gamache added that during his time as a board member, he has seen the district work toward its strategic plan, which focuses on achievements, opportunities, communication and technology. The district is in the final phase of its one-to-one tablet initiative for grades five through 12, he said, and a new science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics — collectively known as STEAM — program has been implemented in grades three through six.

“So many exciting things have been happening in our district,” Gamache said. “I appreciate the hard work of our staff and the support of our community as we continue providing a rich, well-rounded education for the children of East Rockaway.”

The next East Rockaway Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Aug. 28 at 7 p.m.