Highlights From Feb. 14 Wantagh Board of Education Meeting

The following recap of the Jan. 17 Wantagh Board of Education meeting was submitted by School Information Liaison Debbie Pinciotto.

Related:

• Wantagh Board of Education Presses Cuomo for More State Aid
• Departed Wantagh Superintendent Officially Resigns from District
• Longtime Wantagh Principal Retiring

Highlights from The Wantagh Board of Education meeting held Feb. 14, 2013

• The Board of Education, upon receiving letters of retirement, had the opportunity to publicly thank three employees for their many years of dedicated service to the Wantagh School District. Acting Superintendent Maureen Goldberg spoke of Dr. Donald Sternberg’s 39 years in the district, 32 of those as principal at Wantagh Elementary School. During that time he guided the school through obtaining New York State and US Blue Ribbon School of Excellence status and he also earned the New York State Elementary Principal of The Year Award in 2009. She also recognized John Anderson, a music teacher at Wantagh Middle School, for helping our students make beautiful music for over 30 years. Finally, Dana DiCapua, Assistant Superintendent for Business acknowledged John Carroll, Maintenance Supervisor for the school district and his 33 years of faithful service. The district wishes all of them much health and happiness in their retirement years.

• Board of Education President Michael Cucci reminded the audience that the district will be offering budget workshops for the entire community over the course of three evenings, March 11, March 18 and April 3 at 7 p.m.. A morning session will be held on Tuesday, April 9 at 10 a.m. The evening workshops will be held at the Wantagh High School and the morning session will be held at the Wantagh Public Library. Details will be posted on the district website. This is an opportunity for everyone in the community to get solid information about the budget process.

• Cucci thanked the Wantagh Wrestling Alumni for the generous donation of two new wrestling mats.

• Cucci read the following statement,” I would like to announce that the board has resolved our issues with Phil D’Angelo and has received and accepted his resignation as superintendent of the Wantagh Schools effective immediately. Therefore, Mr. D’Angelo is no longer an employee of the Wantagh School District. The board will now engage in the process of discussing the appointment of a new superintendent of schools.”

• The Board also drafted and sent a letter to Andrew Cuomo, Governor of New York State, on behalf of the more than 6,000 homes and businesses in Wantagh regarding the fiscal impact that Hurricane Sandy had on property assessments in our community. A decrease in the overall property valuation in Wantagh will likely impact the tax rate for home and business owners. The letter requested additional state aid to offset this impending expense. The letter also implored the Governor to lobby for Federal Aid that might become available for school districts such as Wantagh who were adversely affected by the storm. A copy of the letter can be found on the district website.