At the May 27 Board of Education meeting, East Rockaway Union Free School District celebrated a milestone evening recognizing seven staff members for tenure and introducing three new teachers to the community.

Principal Richard Schaffer of East Rockaway Junior/Senior High School honored Shannon Conley (social studies), Noah Luft-Weissberg (music), Rebecca Mantle (counseling), Sunzena Miah (technology) and Christine Redden (Chair of Mathematics). Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Sean Murray recommended district literacy coach Danielle Schneider for tenure, and Superintendent James DeTommaso awarded tenure to Jack Bixhorn, Principal of Rhame Avenue Elementary School.

Superintendent DeTommaso also welcomed three educators to the district: Katherine Parker (special education, East Rockaway Junior/Senior High School), Jamie Maddaluno (special education, Rhame Avenue Elementary School), and Declan Griffin (fourth grade, Rhame Avenue Elementary School). The Board paused for a reception before reconvening for regular business.

In other district news, it was announced at the meeting that a piece of school history is making its return: the original bell from the school's cupola – long rumored to have been stolen years ago in a prank – has been restored to the district by the local historical society. The bell is currently being cleaned and will be reinstalled and unveiled upon completion of the ongoing renovations.

The district's proposed 2026–27 safety plan has been posted to the district website for a 30-day public comment period, after which it will be formally adopted. Community members are encouraged to share any feedback by emailing the district directly.

Congratulations to all tenure recipients, and a warm welcome to the newest members of the East Rockaway school community.