_____________ ROCKVILLE CENTRE ____________
HERALD
your HEALTH body / mind / fitness
and JANUARY 11, 2024
with a focus on:
Resolutions and Healthy Lifestyle
Vol. 35 No. 3
St. Agnes preps for dinner dance
Seeing the world through his lens
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JANUARY 11 - 17, 2024
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Schools renew Superintendent Gaven’s contract tendent June Chang in 2021, just over only a year into a fiveyear contract extension. Barry said that in the 18 The Rockville Centre Board of Education approved a three- months since Gaven was hired, year contract extension for he has already enhanced the school district Superintendent educational experience for students in a variety Matt Gaven at its of ways and is confirst meeting of sistently looking at 2024. more growth “When we hired opportunities. you as our superin“Since his arrivtendent of schools, al, Mr. Gaven has we told the commuproven to be fully nity that you are a committed to the leader with preswell-being of our ence; a reflective students,” Bar ry leader; someone said in a statement who listens, collabsent on behalf of o r at e s a n d p u t s the school board. kids first always,” “The board’s deciBoard President sion to extend Mr. Kelly Barry said at Gaven’s contract the meeting on Jan. KEllY BARRY reflects our confi4. “We asked you to President, dence that he will make yourself visi- Rockville Centre continue to lead us ble at our many Board of Education with the same events and activiunwavering comties around the district so that you’d get to know mitment he has demonstrated our students and community so far. … We look forward to members over the last year and our continued collaboration a half. You have consistently with Mr. Gaven in shaping the done so in a way that is genuine future of our wonderful district.” and engaging.” Gaven had previously spent The district hired Gaven in July 2022, following the unex- 17 years working in the Mineopected resignation of SuperinContinued on page 7
By DANIEl oFFNER
doffner@liherald.com
I
Mike Monahan/Herald
Troop 163 scouts honored Boy Scout Troop 163 Scoutmaster Jeffrey Roberts, left, with Rockville Centre Eagle Scouts William McManus, James Curry, Riley Trani, Jeffrey Roberts during their Court of Honor induction ceremony on Saturday afternoon. Story, photos Page 3.
Hochul shifts elections to 2026
Long Island officials say it will hurt local politics By JoRDAN VAlloNE jvallone@liherald.com
Gov. Kathy Hochul recently signed legislation aligning many odd-year county and town elections with statewide and legislative elections that are held in even-numbered years. Hochul said she believed the bill would expand access to voting, and make it easier for New Yorkers to vote in local elections that directly impact their lives and the communities they live in. The change will begin in 2026. Elections for county executive, county legislatures and town board seats will be held at the same time as the voting for state and federal offices.
The bill has been met with opposition from Long Island Republicans, who say the shift will take the focus away from local candidates and drown out local issues. Assemblyman Brian Curran, who represents Rockville Centre in Albany, said the change in legislation is indicative of the governor’s priorities. “The governor’s decision to sign this bill proves that Albany Democrats are focused on bending the rules to help themselves,” Curran said in a statement to the Herald. “After suffering defeat after defeat in local elections across the state, Democrats realized their ideas are not popular and have resorted to nationalizing local Continued on page 12
look forward to the positive impact that he will continue to have on our students in the years ahead.