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Friday, February 4, 2022
Vol. 97, No. 5
VALENTINE’S DAY GUIDE
REDISTRICTING MAP SHAKES UP L.I.
SUOZZI BLASTS HOCHUL AGAIN
PAGES 31-42
PAGE 3
PAGE 6
Former G.N. Superintendent Shine dies at 93
S N O W D AY
22 years leading school district is second-longest tenure in history BY R OB E RT PE L A E Z Former Great Neck School Superintendent William A. Shine, who was hailed as a “visionary” leader, died on Friday at 93. He served as superintendent from 1982 until he retired from the post in 2004, giving him the second-longest tenure as superintendent in the district’s history, trailing only John L. Miller’s 28 years. “Dr. Shine’s legacy is inextricably intertwined with our schools and Great Neck,” said Board of Education President Rebecca Sassouni. “He was a visionary who understood education from every vantage point: He understood the vitality of the mission of public education to the students, the educators, to the entire community and, also, built positive relationships with local private schools.” Former President and current board Trustee Barbara Berkowitz said in a statement to Blank Slate
Media that Shine “was the true definition of an educational leader” and that it was an honor knowing him for more than 35 years. “It is fitting that William A. Shine Great Neck South High School, an institute of learning, was named for Dr. Shine with the hope that all that saw his name permanently etched on its signs would emulate his continued love of learning,” Berkowitz said. “Dr. Shine remained involved and active with the Great Neck Public Schools and attended plays, concerts and graduations until recently,” Board of Education Vice President Donna Peirez said. “His presence and his educational presents will be sorely missed.” “Dr. Shine admirably served this wonderful community for almost 23 years as the superintendent of the Great Neck Public Schools,” Superintendent Teresa Prendergast said. “He was a friend and a mentor to us all and his Continued on Page 13
PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVID LEVIN
Last weekend’s snowstorm couldn’t stop some from admiring Great Neck North High School.
Bral echoes Curran’s ‘bloodbath’ prediction BY R OB E RT PELAEZ
of a “bloodbath” for Democratic candidates in the 2022 midterm elections during the Village of Great Neck swearing-in ceremony for newMayor Pedram Bral echoed ly elected County Legislator former Nassau County Execu- Mazi Melesa Pilip. Bral congratulated Pilip, a tive Laura Curran’s prediction
Republican, during her swearing-in ceremony at the Chabad Great Neck early last month, calling her victory over Democratic incumbent Ellen Birnbaum one that was “long overContinued on Page 19
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