Kings Park reappoints school board president

The Kings Park School Board has reappointed its president and selected a new vice president for the 2013-2014 school year.

Marie Goldstein was sworn in to serve a fourth term as board president and board member Tom Locascio, who has served on the board for three years, was sworn in for the first time as vice president, at last week’s organizational meeting.

Locascio will replace former vice president Liz Barrett who, at a subsequent board of education meeting, acknowledged that she circulated petitions for board candidates on school property during the school day.

“That was prior to the election, which on past practice, I didn’t know it was a problem,” she said at the meeting. “Granted it wasn’t in the best judgment.”

When asked later about Locascio’s appointment, Barrett said, “I’m happy I had the opportunity to serve as vice president for the year, and I think Tom will do a great job; and I have three more years on the board.”

The president and vice president receive the agenda before the rest of the board for approval of resolutions, and the president typically has weekly contact with the superintendent and signs off on resolutions after they are approved at the meeting, said Barrett.

Goldstein said she appreciated “the vote of confidence from the entire board” to “remain president.”

“I look forward to working with the board to keep the focus on students, education, community and of course district resources,” she said. “With the many changes and challenges in education it is crucial that we have a keen eye on our children, their futures and sustainability for them and the Kings Park community.”