Bossert named G.N. superintendent

Continued from Page 3 death announced by the district on Sunday. Trustee Barbara Berkowitz said it does not diminish the board’s enthusiasm and optimism in the appointment of Bossert.

Prendergast, 60, died from a ruptured brain aneurysm on June 10.

Prendergast had been the district’s superintendent for the past eight years. She was planning to retire from her position on July 21 to become principal of Sacred Heart Academy in Hempstead starting in August.

Prendergast’s funeral will be held at 9:45 a.m. on Saturday at Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church at 65 Wright Ave. in Malverne.

Visitations will be held at Flinch & Bruns Funeral Home at 34 Hempstead Ave. in Lynbrook on Thursday from 2-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m., as well as on Friday from 2-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m.

The board held a minute of silence at the beginning of its meeting to remember Prendergast.

“Two weeks ago, on May 31, our board recognized Dr. Teresa Prendergast for her eight years of caring and attentive service to our entire school community and every one of its facets and for her graciousness, her goodwill, her cheer,” Sassouni said. “Just a week ago she suffered a grave medical incident. And as we sit here this evening with her empty seat by my side, I am reminded, as I am sure we all are, of the fragility of life.”

Sassouni quoted Maya Angelou, relating it to Prendergast’s ability to make everyone feel seen, heard and recognized: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

“Her absence is deeply felt,” Sas- souni said.

Wednesday’s meeting was also the last Great Neck Board of Education meeting for the school year. This was the last meeting for two trustees –Berkowitz and Jeffrey Shi – who will be ending their tenure on the board.

“It has been my honor to have been involved in our schools in a leadership capacity since 1986 and to have served on the Board of Education as a trustee, vice president and president for the past 31 years,” Berkowitz said. “But, all good things must come to an end and the time has come to step down now. I remain committed to both the school and Great Neck community that I have loved since moving her in 1978, and I look forward to seeing what the future has in store for us all.”

Berkowitz said she too will be honored as the graduating class of 2023 at next week’s high school graduations.

Shi served 6 years on the board, after being elected in 2017. He did not run for re-election in May.

Shi called his time on the board as one of the most important achievements in his life.

“But I got the strength from the community, and I got the strength from the administrators, the teacher, but most importantly [the students],” Shi said.

Berkowitz and Shi both received standing ovations. They were presented with flowers and a plaque to honor their service on the Board of Education.

Sassouni said there is nothing that could truly honor the time and service Berkowitz has given to the school district.

The Great Neck Board of Education will hold its next organizational meeting at 7:30 p.m. on July 6 at the Phipps Administration Building.

NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF THE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF FLORAL PARK LOCAL LAW NO.