The Port Washington Board of Education appointed Adam Smith as president and Deborah Brooks as vice president on July 12.
Julie Epstein was the only opposing vote in both motions, which were approved by the board 5-1. In a Facebook post, Smith thanked the board and congratulated the other appointees.
“​​Thank you to our fellow trustees for your confidence in appointing me and Deborah Brooks as BOE president and vice president for the upcoming 2022-2023 school year,” he wrote.
In 2021, Smith was elected to the board as one of three challengers who unseated a group of three incumbents. He manages assets for properties as a real estate director.
His campaign focused on restoring “accountability, openness and a renewed commitment to academic achievement in Port Washington.”
Brooks was re-elected to a three-year term in May. She is a lawyer who was elected to the school board for the first time in 2019.
She supports whole-child education. The model prioritizes the complete range of a child’s developmental requirements to enhance educational equity.
Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo had appointed her to the state’s Common Core Task Force. To improve implementation and lessen test anxiety, the group conducted an extensive examination of learning standards, instructional advice, curriculum and assessments.
Because of the pandemic, Brooks pushed to ensure that the district received its fair share of state funds.
Brooks will serve on the board until June 30, 2025, and Smith until June 30, 2024.
Michael Hynes took the oath of office to continue serving as the superintendent of schools. Ruth Smith and Denise Attonito were also appointed as district clerk and deputy district clerk.
