Dear GNPS Community,
I hope this letter finds you well and settling into familiar routines following the start of the new school year. I am delighted to share some exciting news with you regarding a recent appointment to the Board of Education.
This past summer was unprecedented for the Board in many respects, as we welcomed newly-elected Trustee Joanne Chan while, also, facing a vacancy due to the resignation of long-time trustee Barbara Berkowitz, who officially stepped down on July 4, 2023.
The board also worked to ensure uninterrupted operations and a smooth transition for Superintendent Kenneth R. Bossert, following the untimely passing of Dr. Teresa Prendergast.
The board approached the vacancy with keen focus on both timing and process. The Board decided to wait until August upon Dr. Bossert’s assumption of his role as superintendent to address the vacancy. Together, we gave considerable thought, time, and consideration to select an esteemed member of our school community to appoint as trustee.
We are pleased to announce that Steve Chen has been appointed to fill the vacancy on the Board of Education until the next annual election on Tuesday, May 21, 2024.
The board voted unanimously to appoint Mr. Chen during last week’s public meeting; he took the Oath of Office earlier today. We look forward to his joining the dais at the next Board meeting on Oct. 18, 2023.
Mr. Chen is an active member of the Great Neck community and has two children currently enrolled in our schools.
He has an exemplary record of service as a leader within the Cub Scouts, travel soccer, and the Great Neck Chinese Association, where he has served as a liaison to the Rotary, the Board of Education, and the District’s Asian American Pacific Islander curricular initiative last school year.
We are pleased that Mr. Chen has agreed to accept this great responsibility. Please join us in welcoming Mr. Chen to the Great Neck Public Schools Board of Education.
Rebecca Sassouni, President
On behalf of the Great Neck Public Schools Board of Education
