_______ Malverne/West HeMpstead ______
HERALD Also serving Lakeview
New board trustees sworn in
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Vol. 32 No. 29
JUlY 17 - 23, 2025
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Welcoming a new leader to Malverne President Josephine Bottitta said. “She comes with extensive experience, and I think Maria Rianna attended her she’s going to be a perfect first Board of Education meet- match with our administration, ing as superintendent of the our district’s faculty, communiMalver ne school district on ty, and really take us forward.” The district sought a leader July 8. She took over the role on July 3, following Lorna Lewis’s willing to make a long-term retirement after five years in c o m m i t m e n t t o M a l ve r n e schools, who was the position. strong on curricu“I’m getting to lum, embraced know the people and d ive r s i t y, w a s a some of the traditransparent commutional procedures,” nicator and had Rianna said. “So far, experience navigateveryone has helped ing complex district in this transition, b u d g e t s. Fo r m e r helping me get the board President information that I Jeanne D’Esposito need so I’m able to told the Herald in support them.” MARIA RIANNA January that she Rianna, 65, was believed Rianna met ap p o i n t e d t o t h e position in January, and signed all of those requirements. “ We l o o k fo r w a rd t o a a three-year contract with the smooth transition in which we district, for an annual salary of $262,000, after her unanimous don’t lose a step,” Bottitta said. Rianna began her career as approval by the school board. Her hiring followed a lengthy a special-education teacher in search that included board con- Patchouge-Medford schools sultations with community before working her way up members and parents through through various administrative surveys and meetings, as well positions across several disas several rounds of interviews tricts. She served as deputy superintendent of the Port Jefwith the top three candidates. “The board is thrilled to ferson district and assistant have Rianna join us,” board Continued on page 3
By MADISoN GUSlER
mgusler@liherald.com
Courtesy Michelle Guiheen
abigail guiheen, a member of Valley Stream’s Scouting america troop 99, completed a storm drain medallion project in Malverne as part of her project to achieve eagle Scout rank. guiheen demonstrated to volunteers how to place the medallions on the storm drains.
Eagle Scout project combats village waterway pollution By JUSTIN McKENZIE Intern
Abigail Guiheen’s Eagle Scout project has left an indelible mark on the Malverne community, combating marine pollution by placing medallions on storm drains. Guiheen, 17, a member of Valley Stream’s all-girls Scouting America Troop 99 and Malverne resident, placed “No Dumping” medallions around all of the storm drains in Malverne to deter litterbugs from polluting Long Island’s waterways. “We did this project to bring awareness that the pollution that goes down storm drains affects marine wildlife and ecosys-
tems,” Guiheen explained, since runoff from Long Island storm drains does not get treated and goes directly back into the waterways. One of the key aspects of an Eagle Scout project is fulfilling the Scout oath to help other people at all times. Guiheen decided that she wanted to make a positive impact on her community while earning her Eagle Scout rank. “My end goal is really to educate the community I’m in and help protect the marine wildlife and ecosystems that are directly affected by pollution that goes down these storm drains,” Guiheen told the Herald. In addition to providing a service to the Continued on page 16