Valley Stream board honors former president

The Valley Stream Central High School District honored former President Elise Antonelli at their meeting on Oct. 14.

“In every decision, Elise Antonelli put kids first,” said Superintendent Bill Heidenreich. “She was concerned with making sure that each child that passed through any of Valley Stream’s schools was well-rounded and prepared for the next stage of their life.”

Antonelli sat on the boards of the VSCHD and District 30 before losing those seats for the 2014-15 year. She served as a trustee on the VSCHD board from July 2008 until June 2014, and served as president from July 2013 to June 2014. She was a member of the District 30 board from December of 2007 to June 2014, as served as their president from July 2010 to June 2012.

Antonelli lost her seat on the high school board at its July 7 meeting, where positions are decided for the coming school year. Nearly half of the board’s members were replaced this year.

Jim Lavery was one of the replacements. He said the service of Antonelli and the other board members who were voted out is appreciated.

“It’s nothing against them,” Lavery said. “They did a great job. It was more about just giving others a chance.”

Antonelli, a resident of Valley Stream for more than 30 years, said she enjoyed serving her community.

“I really felt privileged to work in Valley Stream schools,” Antonelli said. “I’ve been living here for quite some time, my son went through the district, and it was great to be able to return after he had moved on. I always strived to be very inclusive, and engender as much communication between the board, parents, students and staff as I could.”

Heidenreich praised Antonelli for valuing the different aspects of students’ lives.

“She really never strived just to make our students as intellectual as possible, though that was obviously a major goal,” Heidenreich said. “She was very focused, and rightfully so, on ensuring that our students were well-rounded. She paid a lot of attention to not just academics, but the social, emotional and physical health and wellness of our students.”