Schools

N. Bellmore district’s leadership shifts

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With a new superintendent, one new principal, a reorganized Board of Education and several ongoing administrative searches, the leadership of the North Bellmore Public Schools has and will continue to shift throughout the summer.

The North Bellmore School District takes in part of North Merrick.

At the July 2 Board of Education meeting, a new president, vice president and trustee were appointed. Marie Testa, North Bellmore’s new superintendent, also discussed district administrative changes.

Nina Lanci and John Ferrara were appointed as the board’s president and vice president, respectively. Lanci, who was first appointed to the North Bellmore board in March 2003 to fill a vacancy, will also serve on the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District Board of Education with JoAnn DeLauter. Peter Mayo, who defeated incumbent Rosemarie Corless in the May 21 trustee vote, was confirmed to his board position.

Testa then delivered her first superintendent’s report. She succeeds Arnold Goldstein, who announced his retirement in January.

Although July 2 was her second day on the job, she explained that she began transitioning from her role as Martin Avenue Elementary School principal to her new position when she was appointed superintendent on May 7.

“It’s been very seamless,” she said. “I’m thankful to have had such a terrific transition, and I am looking forward to an amazing school year.”

The 2013-14 academic year will come with other changes to the district’s administration. Parents, students and faculty members will see familiar faces in new roles at Saw Mill Elementary School, Martin Avenue, and in the district administrative and technology offices.

Testa said that former Saw Mill Principal Frances Bennett has assumed her previous post as the Martin Avenue principal. The superintendent explained that many factors went into the decision, noting that district officials felt Bennett’s extensive experience would be a good fit for a school that will have its third principal in three years.

After the district received 50 to 60 resumes for the Saw Mill Road principal’s position, Jeffrey Rosof was appointed to the job on July 10.

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