The superintendent of the Floral Park Bellerose School District, Dr. Michael Dantona, recently gave his resignation letter to the board of education.
“The Floral Park-Bellerose Board of Education accepted the resignation of Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michael Dantona effective Aug. 30,” said board president Laura A. Ferone. “The board extends its appreciation to Dr. Dantona for his service to the school district and wishes him well in his future endeavors. Appointing a new superintendent of schools is one of the most critical responsibilities of the board of education. Please be assured, the board takes this responsibility very seriously and has made it our top priority. Knowing how soon the new school year will begin, the board has begun the search process for a new superintendent. Our commitment is to appoint the most highly qualified candidate, who will work with our administration, staff, parents and community to carry out our mission of excellence for all.”
According to Ferone, the board will keep the community informed as the search process continues in finding a new superintendent.
Dantona, who was the district’s superintendent for the past two years, told the board of education that he is leaving to pursue other opportunities.
“I have been dedicated to providing the highest quality education to all children in our district,” said Dantona. “That commitment enabled me to work closely with a knowledgeable professional staff, a supportive community who recognizes the importance of education and a board of education, who is always mindful of their responsibilities to the community, while focused on achieving student success now and in the future. I thank the board of education for the opportunity to serve as your superintendent of schools and I am proud of all that we have accomplished.”
Dantona extended his gratitude to the district’s administrators, teachers, staff members, parents, community residents and the board of education saying that he was, “confident that the board will find an exceptional educator to lead the district to the next level of success moving into the future.”
Under Dantona’s tenure, the expansion projects for the Floral Park-Bellerose and John Lewis Childs elementary schools, were approved through the community-supported bond that was recently passed.
“The district’s mission statement and strategic plans reflect the vision of the community for developing the whole learner,” said Dantona. “This includes expanded technology opportunities for all students, expanding STEAM initiatives in the areas of science, technology, engineering and robotics, and focusing on mental wellness. The safety and security of our students and staff and those entering our schools has always been our highest priority. During the past two years, enhancements have been made to our security equipment and protocols to create a welcoming, yet safe environment for all.”
Continuing to be fiscally responsible, the board of education and Dantona negotiated fair and responsible contracts with several bargaining units representing the district’s teachers, administrators, clerical, nurses and food service employees. They also successfully lobbied for additional funding from the state and from local legislators.
