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ElECTIoN WINNERS
Donna Downing Board of Education trustee
Michael lucchesi Library board member
Rockville Centre School District board
Courtesy Carol Ruchalski
Playing for Mary Local foundation Play 4 Mary, named in honor of late Rockville Centre resident Mary Ruchalski, hosted lacrosse games last week to help increase pediatric cancer awareness. Story, more photos, Page 3.
Donna Downing beat John O’Shea for the one school board seat that was up for grabs with 61 percent of the vote — 2,169 — compared to 1,413 votes for O’Shea. O’Shea focused most Meryl Sussman of his campaign on efforts Library board member to increase mental health offerings at schools after losing his son, Ryan, to suicide in 2019.
Rockville Centre School District budget
A new leader for RVC schools
Incoming superintendent hopes to unite the district By MIKE SMollINS msmollins@liherald.com
As Matthew Gaven prepares to become the second Rockville Centre schools superintendent in three years, he says he is eager to get to know the community better. “First, I want to get to understand the culture and what makes Rockville Centre a great place,” Gaven said. “It’s important, but you want to take what’s
working and accentuate it. For those things that need improvement, I look forward to working collaboratively with the staff and administration to try and make that a positive change.” Gaven, 49, of Garden City, will take over for Interim Superintendent Robert Bartles on July 1, but he will spend the next two months visiting schools and getting acquainted with the students, staff and administrators in each building.
The Board of Education announced Gaven’s appointment on May 4, concluding an exhaustive search for a new district leader, and he agreed to a three-year contract that runs through June 30, 2025. Financial details were not immediately disclosed by the district. Gaven has served as deputy superintendent in the Mineola School District for the past Continued on page 18
Total: $129 million — Passed, 2,645-1,413
Rockville Centre library Board
Michael Lucchesi and Meryl Sussman have earned spots on the library board in an at-large eletion, earning 2,274 and 1,760 votes respectively. Coming up short was Michael Ludwig — but not by a lot — with 1,455 votes. — Mike Smollins