The East Rockaway Board of Education officially launched the 2026–27 school year during its annual reorganization meeting on July 8, swearing in district leaders, appointing a new student representative and celebrating recent academic accomplishments.
Superintendent of Schools James DeTommaso and newly elected trustee Elizabeth Curtis took the oath of office, while the board unanimously re-elected Peter McNally as president and Maureen Doyle as vice president. East Rockaway High School junior Nora Smith was also sworn in as the district’s student ex-officio board member for the coming school year.
In addition, Nereyda Amaya-Moran was reappointed and sworn in as district clerk, and Deputy Superintendent Michael Van Wart took the oath of office.
Before the reorganization portion of the meeting, district officials recognized East Rockaway High School Class of 2026 valedictorian Charlotte Webster and salutatorian Victoria Schaefer for their academic achievements.
Reflecting on the graduating class, DeTommaso praised its accomplishments and wished students success in their next chapter.
“I know there’s a ton of talent in that class and I can’t wait for them to get out there in the world and make East Rockaway proud,” DeTommaso said.
The superintendent also highlighted the district’s continued academic success.
“This is our fourth consecutive year of having a 100% graduation rate at East Rockaway. If you look around the county, that’s a tremendous accomplishment,” he said.
DeTommaso added that the district saw gains across several measures of student achievement.
“I’m also excited about some of our recent academic successes. I-Ready scores for elementary school, Regents exam scores are all up, including mastery level, and our AP scores are higher than they have ever been,” he said.
Welcoming the start of the new school year, McNally also greeted the district’s newest members, including Curtis and Smith, saying he looked forward to working with them in the year ahead.
The board approved its annual organizational resolutions and committee appointments before adjourning and reconvening for its regular monthly meeting.
