As the evening sun dipped below the horizon, the Wantagh Board of Education gathered for its monthly meeting, where Superintendent John McNamara opened the session with a warm welcome. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as he highlighted the recent successes of the district's athletic teams, celebrating the county championships won by the girls' soccer and boys' cross country teams. The anticipation for the upcoming football championship game added to the sense of community pride, with plans to honor these achievements at the next meeting.

Transitioning to administrative matters, McNamara announced the upcoming retirement of Tom Fucci, the current director of facilities, effective December 20. This pivotal role oversees the operations of all five schools and their fields, making the search for a successor crucial. The board is set to appoint Rob Lovergene, the head custodian at Wantagh High School, to fill this important position. McNamara praised Lovergene for his outstanding service over the past five years and expressed confidence in his ability to lead the facilities team.

In a further shift within the district's leadership, Jake Schafer, who has been with Wantagh for 17 years, will step up as the new head custodian at Wantagh High School. Known for his dedication and familiarity among evening event attendees, Schafer's promotion reflects the district's commitment to recognizing and nurturing talent from within.

As the meeting progressed, the board continued to address various topics, but the spirit of celebration and transition in leadership set a positive tone for the future of Wantagh's schools. The community looks forward to seeing how these changes will enhance the educational environment and support the district's ongoing success.