School districts welcome new members

The District 13, District 30 and Valley Stream Central High School District Boards of Education welcomed their newest members this month.

District 13 welcomed its new Superintendent, Constance Evelyn, on July 1.

“We have our new Superintendent of Schools, Ms. Evelyn, and we welcome her to a new year, and a new era, in Valley Stream District 13.”

Evelyn has spent time attending community events and getting to know the village during the summer downtime. “I think that this is officially my thirteenth hour on the job, and everything’s going pretty well,” she said at the board’s meeting. “Everyone has been so welcoming, this is just a wonderful community. Many people came to visit me today, called me, and I just look forward to continuing the conversation about ensuring that our students and families have equitable access to high quality public schools, so thank you.”

Denise Diodato was installed to her seat on the board, and Trustee Toni Pomerantz was elected its president. Trustee Patricia Farrell was elected vice president.

Ingrid Wyllie, formerly the PTA president of District 30, replaced Elise Antonelli, who moved out of the district. Antonelli had been a trustee for more than eight years, and said she would miss serving there after moving to West Babylon.

“I will certainly have fond memories of working in the district,” Antonelli said. “I’m very proud of all the work we’ve done as a school district. The relationship between parents, board members, members of the administration and educators is something I was very proud and very glad to be a part of.”

Nicholas Stirling, superintendent of District 30, said he wished Antonelli well, and lamented the loss of her insight on the board.

“When we heard she was moving to a new neighborhood, we were disappointed we couldn’t legally keep her on the board,” he said. “She was an outstanding board member.”

After learning of Antonelli’s departure, the District 30 administration quickly began a search for her replacement. They received applications for the position from nine candidates, each of whom, Stirling said, had skills and perspective to offer.

“We were very happy to have several candidates who expressed a desire to serve our district,” he said. “Each has diverse backgrounds and brings skills as professionals to our board.”

Wyllie’s term will last for one year, and the seat will open during the board’s 2016 election.