Schools

Rogan Named Huntington School Board President

John Paci elected vice president after being voted down for president.

Possibly a sign of things to come, election fallout was apparent at the first Huntington School Board meeting of the new term.

Nominated by board member Kimberly Brown, Emily Rogan was elected school board president by a 4-3 vote at Intermediate School Tuesday — with two new board members casting deciding votes.

"I think it's going to be a great year. I'm really looking forward to working with the new board and Mr. Polansky. I just feel very hopeful," said Rogan, now entering her sixth year on the board.

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Just after being sworn in, new board members Adam Spector and Jen Hebert were united in their support for Rogan.

"I just think her strengths are a better match for the presidents' job," said Hebert when questioned by Patch regarding her support for Rogan and opposition to John Paci, also nominated for president.

Find out what's happening in Huntingtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Voting against Rogan was board members Richard McGrath, Elizabeth Black and Paci. 

Asked why he voted in favor of Paci and against Rogan, McGrath recommended that people not "read into" his vote one way or another.

"They both would have done a great job. I'm not sure we did Emily any favors," McGrath said jokingly.

Paci was unanimously elected board vice president by a 7-0 vote. 

Also serving in a new role for the first time, Huntington School District Superintendent said he was thrilled to begin working with the new board.

"Obviously we have a community that values education, that values support and collaboration and I'm here to facilitate that," said Polansky.

In May, Huntington Hebert and Spector to the school board while approving the $109-million budget. Some anticipate the new lineup has the potential to change the board’s position on the status of Jack Abrams Intermediate School, which was closed by the board last summer on a 4-3 vote. Both Spector and Hebert have stated their support for reopening the building.

Former board president Bill Dwyer lost in his bid for re-election in May and board member Christine Bene created an opening when she decided not to run again.


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