The Westbury Union Free School District Board of Education on July 8 approved tenure recommendations and several personnel appointments in a unanimous block vote at its planning and action meeting.

The approvals came after Superintendent Dr. Tahira Dupree Chase introduced the candidates and principals from several schools spoke in support. The board adopted the agenda items and related resolutions by block vote, with members voting unanimously to approve the slate.

Dr. Tahira Dupree Chase, superintendent, opened the personnel portion of her report by highlighting tenure and probationary recommendations. "My report tonight basically celebrates, a few things. First, it celebrates the fact that we have tenure recommendation this evening," Dr. Chase said.

Principals highlighted individual nominees before the vote. Gloria Dingwall, principal of Dryden Street Elementary School, spoke for one nominee: "She has a very professional demeanor and is very, very kind and patient with our young learners," Dingwall said of Barbara Zano. Claudia Germaine, principal of Powell's Lane School, introduced Georgina Peralta and praised her classroom work: "Dedicated, kind, loving, smart, you fit the bill 100%." Assistant principal Dr. Barrales also appeared with school leaders.

As the superintendent noted, the agenda included tenure recommendations for teachers and teaching assistants and appointments for probationary certificated and civil service staff as listed in the meeting agenda. Board members moved and seconded the procedural votes to accept minutes and to adopt the resolutions. A motion to block-vote the entire agenda was moved by Dr. Dickerson and seconded by President Trianno; the motion passed with recorded ayes from President Trianno, Mateo Flores, Mr. Keynes, Dr. Dickerson and Vice President Floyd Ewing.

Board President Trianno then moved for an executive session to discuss personnel matters; trustees voted unanimously to enter executive session for up to two hours and noted they did not anticipate votes coming out of that session.

The board also recognized staff members who were present: Barbara Zano (teacher), Georgina Peralta (fifth-grade teacher, Powell's Lane School), and Rosalba Hino (Drexel Avenue School). Other names read for recognition included Elizabeth Almanza (speech teacher), Carlos Siciliano (world languages/Spanish teacher), Maria Alvesio (account clerk, nutrition department) and Demetrios Anthonasolopoulos (cook manager, not in attendance). The superintendent recommended the named tenure and probationary candidates as stated on the meeting agenda.

The meeting adjourned after the executive-session motion and later reconvened briefly to adjourn formally; minutes and the block-vote approvals were recorded as passed unanimously.

The board did not amend or discuss specific contract terms or funding lines for the personnel items on the public record; the executive session was announced for personnel discussion only.