Valley Stream's top school stories of 2010

These are summaries of some of the top school stories in Valley Stream in 2010, as chosen by the Herald's staff.

Their moment to shine

District 13 participated in the Empire State Games for the Physically Challenged at Mitchel Field for first time on June 4. Fifteen students from the district took part in the athletic competition, and brought home 21 medals.

Events included the 40- and 100-yard dashes, club throw, precision throw, distance kick and discus. Each athlete was paired with a student buddy and a staff chaperone.

Students received their awards at the June 22 Board of Education, which included eight gold, seven silver and six bronze medals, as well as numerous certificates for fourth- and fifth-place finishes.

Lisa Sells-Asch, the district’s assistant superintendent for special services, called the day a huge success.

School budgets approved

Spending plans in all four Valley Stream school districts were approved by voters on May 18. The Central High School District’s $100.7 million budget was passed by nearly a 400-vote margin.

In District 13, residents passed the $41.3 million spending plan, and also returned unopposed incumbents Joseph DiSibio and Joan Gartner to the Board of Education. District 24’s $26.6 million budget was approved by more than 150 votes, with incumbents Tony Iadevaio, Frank Nuara and Larry Trogel re-elected to the Board of Education.

District 30 residents approved both the $31.9 million budget and $1.6 million capital reserve fund for window and ceiling replacements. Jim Lavery, who ran unopposed, was elected to the Board of Education to replace departing trustee Maria Fletcher.

Bernstein announces retirement

After almost seven years leading the Valley Stream Central High School District, Dr. Marc Bernstein announced his retirement as superintendent of schools in mid-July. His last day was to be Dec. 31, six months before the end of his contract, but Bernstein opted to take vacation days and leave on Dec. 16.

“I am retiring because there are a bunch of family matters I wish to devote more attention to,” Bernstein said. “I look very fondly at these last seven years, which have been super.“ Bernstein began his tenure in January 2004, initially agreeing to a five-year contract, which was extended to June 2009. Contract amendments in December 2008 and again last year extended his tenure to June 2011.

The district later opted to hire an interim superintendent before finding Bernstein’s permanent replacement for the 2011-2012 school year.