Elmont Online

Pam Byer and Elsy Guibert were elected to lead as President and Vice President of the Elmont School Board at it's reorganization meeting of July 3, 2007. The very productive and progressive history-making meeting of the Elmont School Board was temporarily contentious. Upon election to the position of President, Ms Byer, in her customary quiet, poised and confident style thanked the members of the board for trusting her in the role of president. She promised to work with all the members of the board, administration, staff and community to help the district achieve its promise of "Reaching and Teaching for Excellence". Ms Guibert commented that she would support the president in every way possible and be a force for unity and collaboration on the board and in the community.

In stark contrast to the remarks of the president and vice president, board members Ragona and Ferrigno lead an unruly, sometimes profane and always disrespectful parade of marauding residents in the presence of elementary school aged children. Words shouted from the pack by the husband of recently reelected board member Ferrigno, prompted comment from Superintendent Al Harper who apologized to the children for what they were subjected to and promised to work for the continued success of our children. The outrageous, display by some members of the audience was prompted in part by the board's legal decision not to reappoint the district clerk for the 2007-08 school year.

Ferrigno's [[racist]] comments and questions coupled with Ragona's [[sexist]] remarks brought dismay to many in attendance.

The board elected Ms Carol Parker-Duncanson as the second representative to the Sewanhaka Central High School District Board. Ms Parker-Duncanson joins Board member Phillips who presently serves on the high school board.

Read what others reported:

• Three Village Times
• Franklin Square Elmont Herald

Stay tuned for audio clips.

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