Nina Lanci Elected New North Bellmore School Board President

Story written by Chris Boyle 

Nina Lanci, a longtime leader in local school and community workings, was unanimously elected by the North Bellmore Board of Education (BOE) to be its n president during Tuesday’s reorganization meeting.

Presided over by new Superintendent of Schools Marie Testa, who has replaced the retiring Goldstein, the meeting not only saw the appointment of a new board president, but the swearing in of a newly elected trustee.  

Lanci, known well for her service both on the North Bellmore and Central High School District boards, in addition to civic organizations such as the Lions Club, was joined by new BOE Vice-President John Ferrara, who was also unanimously elected by his fellow trustees.  

Peter Mayo, who garnered the most votes in a three-way school board race held May 21, was sworn in for his first meeting as trustee. Former President Jo Ann De Lauter, who finished tied in the race with challenger Frank LaMagra before capturing a runoff held June 25, was sworn in for her third term.

In just her second day on the job, Testa, former Principal of Martin Avenue School, took the time to thank the Board of Education for the honor and privilege of becoming the District’s first-ever female Superintendent.

“I’m sincerely thankful and grateful,” she said. “I want to thank the Board for your support during the transition. I’m really looking forward to continuing following in Mr. Goldstein’s footsteps and the people that have preceded me...I know this is a collaborative effort among students, teachers, and parents, and I’m looking forward in leading that manner.”

Testa praised former Superintendent Arnold Goldstein, crediting him with making her succession to his office a smooth and effective affair.

“I do wish him the best and thank him sincerely for all the work he did with me in the transition,” she said. “He’s been so kind and he’s been reaching out to me and giving me materials and advice.”

As part of her first-ever superintendent’s report, Testa stated that the efforts to hire a new principal for Saw Mill Road school were ongoing and that parents could expect some news very soon.

“We started off with over 50 to 60 resumes that were screened by the Human Resources department and District Administrators...that number was brought down to 14 candidates, and then seven,” she said. “Last week the Principals interviewed the candidates, and from there we narrowed it down to four. We expect in the next week or so to have made a decision.”