Mamaroneck BOE Elects New Officials, Swears In Superintendent

The Mamaroneck Schools Board of Education met yesterday evening at Mamaroneck High School to elect new officials, swear in new superintendent Dr. Robert Shaps and approve $53,145 in donations.

The board began by swearing in its two newest members—Nancy Pierson and Matthew Schoengood—along with Shaps, who will replace former superintendent Dr. Paul Fried.

Elections for the 2010-2011 school year followed the oaths of office; current board members nominated and unanimously voted in Richard Marsico as president of the Board of Education, Robin Nichinsky as vice president and Anant Nambiar as secretary.

After his appointment, Marsico thanked previous president Linnet Tse for her service.

"[Tse] has been a tireless and selfless president over the past two years," he said. "The children have benefited from her hard work, and she won't be easy to follow."

The board next approved several donations made to the MUFSD. The approved donations are listed in full below:

-$11,000 from various individuals and families for the reinstatement of JV Black Soccer

-$10,175 from MHS Music Parents for the reinstatement of various 2010-11 MHS music programs

-$30,000 from The Tiger Booster Club for the reinstatement of teams, to be determined at a later date by the Athletic Department

-$1,485 from Larchmont Temple for the MAS pre-K Scholarship Fund

-$480 from the Larchmont Temple for the pre-K Eco-Kids Sheldrake Scholarship Fund

Other business

-Shaps updated the board on the search for a principal to replace Dr. Mark Orfinger, who retired at the end of this school year.

"It's been a challenging process," Shaps said. "We've interviewed a number of candidates, but it's difficult to find the right candidate."

Shaps noted the search committee is now looking to hire an interim principal until a long-term replacement is found.

"We remain optimistic, and we have interviews with qualified candidates over the next several days," he added.

-Construction to Hommocks Middle School consisting of window replacement has been lengthened due to the delayed delivery of new windows. The project will be completed by November of this year, the board said.

-The board appointed school attorneys for the 2010-11 school year. The attorneys will provide general council for the Board of Education, and cost an annual rate of $63,860.