Night of Goodbyes, Tributes at Wantagh School Board Meeting

It was a night of goodbyes and tributes during Thursday’s Wantagh Board of Education meeting.

The Thursday evening meeting at Wantagh High School marked the final scheduled public session for outgoing trustees Jean Quinn and William Russack. Assistant Superintendent for Business Dana DiCapua also took part in her last Wantagh board meeting before taking on her new administrative role with the Garden City School District starting July 1.

Quinn and Russack have both served on the Wantagh school board for the past six years. Russack lost his bid at a third term during last month while Quinn opted not to seek reelection.

“I would like to thank both of you for your tireless efforts, outstanding dedication, devotion, patience and commitment to the children and taxpayers of Wantagh,” said Wantagh school board President Michael Cucci in remarks dedicated to Quinn and Russack Thursday night. “You will be missed.”

Following Thursday’s meeting, a retirement reception was held for Quinn in the Wantagh High School Cafeteria. Prior to entering the school board in 2007, Quinn worked as a special education teacher aide at Wantagh High School.

“Wantagh will forever hold a special place in my heart,” said an emotional Quinn in a speech at her reception. “I feel blessed to have been given this opportunity.”

DiCapua is departing Wantagh after serving five years as the district’s business chief.

“In these very challenging financial times, Dana has guided us with  budgets that preserved our educational programs while keeping us fiscally healthy,” said Wantagh Superintendent Maureen Goldberg. “It’s not an easy task but one that she tackled with enormous effort, energy and intellect always maintaining focus on the needs of the students.”