Steve Chen has been appointed to fill the vacancy on the Great Neck Public Schools Board of Education until the next annual election on May 21, 2024. The board voted unanimously to appoint Chen during the Sept. 20 public meeting.
He took the Oath of Office on Sept. 21 and will join the dais at the next board meeting on Oct. 18. He fills the vacancy due to the resignation of long-time trustee Barbara Berkowitz, who officially stepped down on July 4, 2023.
“I feel privileged and honored to be appointed by the Board of Education,” said newly Chen, “I look forward to serving the whole Great Neck community and will always put the interests of our children first.”
The board also appointed new trustee Joanne Chan over the summer.
“I join our trustees in welcoming Mr. Chen to the Board and thank him for serving our school community in this capacity,” said Superintendent Kenneth R. Bossert, “The board has established their goals for this school year and I look forward to working alongside all our trustees as we engage in the important work planned for the year ahead.”
“Since his appointment by unanimous resolution of the Board of Education on September 20, 2023, Steve Chen has already demonstrated his goodwill and willingness to share his time to attend days-long professional development to learn about the governance of the district, in support of the children, families, staff, and schools,” said Board President Rebecca Sassouni, “Steve is thus already well-poised to assist our board in furtherance of our goals. I happily welcome my newest colleague to the Board of Education.”
Chen has two children currently enrolled in Great Neck schools and has served 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, the board stated.