Iadevaio ‘well deserving’ of state recognition

There are thousands of school board members across New York who put in countless hours each year for the betterment of students and receive no monetary compensation in return. But only one of these volunteers can receive the top award from the New York State School Boards Association each year. For 2013, the Everett R. Dyer Award for Distinguished School Board Service will go to Tony Iadevaio.

First elected in District 24 in 1980, Iadevaio has also served on the Central High School District board for 29 years. In decades of service, he has served as president of both boards several times — including both last year — and has chaired the finance, education, personnel, policy and legislative committees. 

Iadevaio said receiving the award from NYSSBA means more to him because he’s been affiliated with the organization for so long and routinely attends its annual convention. “The fact that the committee and the New York State school boards’ people recognize all the work that I’ve been doing for the kids is great,” he said.

District 24 Superintendent Dr. Edward Fale nominated Iadevaio for the award and said the recognition is well deserved. “He has the highest level of dedication that’s possible,” Fale said. “He approaches his work on the school board with enthusiasm and vigor.”

Fale noted that Iadevaio has also been instrumental in lobbying for additional state aid for districts not only in Valley Stream, but around Nassau County. Iadevaio said his long-lasting relationship with elected officials lands him face-to-face meetings with politicians that other board members struggle to get. He is the legislative liaison from Valley Stream and often makes trips up to Albany for meetings.

Paul DePace, who has served on District 24’s board with Iadevaio since the early 1980s, said he is a very dedicated and prepared board member. Also, DePace added, Iadevaio often brings back information from the conferences he attends to help his colleagues. “If anyone deserves this award,” DePace said, “it’s Mr. Iadevaio.”