West Hempstead School District Board Vacancy Remains

Friday, 26 August 2011 00:00

Seat Could Remain Vacant Until May 2012

The West Hempstead School District board of education has yet to fill the vacant seat of former board member Anthony Brita, who resigned from his post on June 29. His reason for resigning is still unknown at this time.

The board had only 45 days from the date of Brita’s resignation to take advantage of the ability to hold a special election, which could have cost the district anywhere from $3,285 to nearly $10,000, according to deputy superintendent Richard Cunningham. The district may leave the seat vacant until the budget vote and board elections in May 2012.

Cunningham said the board is still investigating possible avenues for a replacement, and that they plan on “having more conversations and future meetings, but at this point, I don’t think a decision has been made to appoint a replacement.”

He stated further that a decision has not been made to keep the seat vacant. In terms of appointing a replacement for the interim, the school board can do that or leave the seat vacant because it has legal authority to exercise that option.

In order to run for school board, you must be 18 years of age and reside in West Hempstead. An unknown resident has submitted a resume to occupy the seat. How the school board determines who is going to be appointed is up to them, according to Cunningham.

“The school district has not called for people to submit their interest in being appointed to the school board.”

—Rich Forestano