Board of Education Reorganizes; Ciocia Elected President

Four new members of the Board of Education took their oath and their seats on the board during the reorganization meeting Friday night.

“As a first year superintendent I have a special place in my heart for the Board of Education members and their combination of expertise, passion and dedication,” stated Porto prior to calling each outoing member up to receive his her plaque in recognition of his or her time of service.

Lisa Hodulik who has served three consecutive terms on the board and was not re-elected in this past election, stated that “It’s been an honor to work with everybody. Even though I lost, I got a lot of support from the people that I didn’t expect and also from those I did expect. . .  I will miss it but I will be in the audience.”

Outgoing board member Joann Garifalos said that it was a great experience and she loves doing stuff for the kids and will continue to do so.

Richard Parodi who served three terms but did not seek re-election this year stated “I got to work with wonderful people all along, so many different board members. I really enjoyed it and we did have a lot of fun. We did a lot and will continue to be involved going forward.”

Outgoing board member Jack DeLorenzo was unable to attend, Dr. Porto stated.

The superintendent also presented Richard Giarratana, outgoing president of the board, with a plaque. “ I look forward to this year. We made some leaps and bounds this year and we will move forward this year with the new board and we have a lot of support. It will be interesting, we will have a good time and it’s all about the children,” said Giarratana.

Dina Messery, business administrator, swore in the four new members – Debra Bruno, Lillian Romano, Robert Salerno and Joseph Samperi. Bruno, Salerno and Samperi were elected to three-year terms on the board.

Romano was elected to a two-year term. She served previously as a board member from 2007 to 2010, deciding not to run for re-election last year in order to devote this past year to her youngest daughter’s college search.

Salerno served previously from 2003 to 2006. Bruno has served as a board of education member in another district and for Samperi, this will be his first term on the board.

Josephine Ciocia was unanimously elected President for the new year by her fellow board members. Joseph Rinke was re-elected as vice president for the new year.