Cordova says goodbye to Rockville Centre Board of Education

The June 7 school board meeting was Board of Education Secretary Doreen Cordova’s final one, and members of the administration, her colleagues on the board and PTA officials were on hand to thank her for her service and wish her well. Former school board Vice President Kathy Horace — who had unexpectedly resigned her trustee seat on Feb. 1 — was also honored at the meeting.

“I want to tell you a little something about this woman who is sitting to my left,” said school board President Mark Masin. “Doreen came to this board three years ago with the desire and resourcefulness to help children. With the experience gained from her practice in the law, she wanted to use that expertise toward helping those children less fortunate to make sure, to ensure, that all children of this district are treated fairly and equally.

“Sometimes we take that for granted, but not Doreen,” continued Masin. “Although the public might see her as a quiet, demure individual here in public, she is a staunch advocate for children in the board room. And for that we are grateful and the children of this district have Doreen to thank. We wish her well on her ‘retirement’ from the everyday work, emails, phone calls and meetings of this board, and she will be missed.”

School Superintendent Dr. William Johnson echoed Masin’s remarks, noting that although Cordova appeared to say little in public, behind closed doors she eloquently fought for the rights of children.

“We wish you the best because you will continue to be an advocate for children,” Johnson told her. “It has been a pleasure to work

with you.”

Trustee Gregg Spaulding has already stepped in to fill the remainder of Horace’s term —which is a year. Trustee-elect John O’Shea will be sworn in during the July Board of Education meeting for a full-three year term.